Handel's Homemade Ice Cream makes 1st Illinois push with Chicago multi-unit deal
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream expands into Illinois with a multi-unit deal in Chicago suburbs.
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Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement to open three locations in the Chicago suburbs, marking its first entry into Illinois. The first store is expected to debut in late 2027, developed by veteran restaurant operator Castro Rafeedie. This agreement is part of a broader strategy, with the brand having signed 20 franchise agreements across seven states in 2026, showcasing a strong growth trajectory.
Why It Matters
This expansion into Illinois may compress available territories for future franchisees in the area, indicating increased competition. The brand's average unit volume growth suggests strong unit economics, which is favorable for current and potential franchisees.
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has signed its first multi-unit franchise agreement in Illinois, committing to three locations in the Chicago suburbs, specifically in Elgin, Geneva/St. Charles, and Algonquin. The first store is expected to open in late 2027. This agreement marks a significant milestone for the 81-year-old brand as it expands into a new state, and it aligns with Handel's strategy of entering new markets, having already added 20 franchise agreements across seven states in 2026, including Arizona, California, and Texas.
The franchisee, Castro Rafeedie, is an experienced operator with nearly 12 years of background in the restaurant industry, most notably running a pizzeria in Dublin, Ohio. Rafeedie's familiarity with Handel's origins, having grown up in Youngstown where the brand was founded, adds to his commitment to developing these locations. He emphasized the importance of the brand's unique on-premise ice cream production as a critical factor in his decision to partner with Handel's. "Knowing that Handel's still makes the ice cream on premise was a huge differentiator and really the moment where we knew this was something special," Rafeedie remarked.
