Handel's Homemade Ice Cream makes 1st Illinois push with Chicago multi-unit deal

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has signed its first-ever multi-unit franchise agreement in Illinois, marking the brand's debut in the state with three locations planned for the Chicago suburbs. The stores will open in Elgin, Geneva/St. Charles and Algonquin, with the first location expected to debut in late 2027. Castro Rafeedie, an Ohio native and veteran restaurant operator, will develop the locations as the brand's first Illinois franchisee.

"Partnering with franchise owners like Castro, who have the deep restaurant background, the deep roots in the community, and the drive to grow, is exactly what is going to make Handel's a mainstay in the Chicagoland area," Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, said in a company press release.

Rafeedie grew up in Youngstown, Ohio — where Handel's was founded in 1945 — and spent nearly 12 years owning a pizzeria in Dublin, Ohio, before pursuing his next venture. He cited the brand's on-premise ice cream production as a key differentiator in his decision.

Franchise growth plans

"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 said.

The Chicago-area deal is the brand's third new market entry since Jan. 1. Handel's has signed 20 franchise agreements across seven states in 2026, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas.

Sales and unit growth

The 81-year-old brand reported an average unit volume of $1,115,650 in its most recent franchise disclosure document, continuing more than a decade of consecutive AUV growth. Handel's currently operates more than 170 locations and offers 150 rotating seasonal flavors, each made fresh on-site.