Handel's Ice Cream, recognized as the world's best ice cream by National Geographic, is opening a new location in Carmel Mountain Ranch, furthering its Southern California expansion. The shop will celebrate its grand opening on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11134 Rancho Carmel Drive in the Carmel Mountain Plaza. The first 30 guests in line starting at 11:00 a.m. will receive an exclusive Handel's spoon, and multiple giveaways are planned throughout the day.
The new location is led by a team of partners including Keith and Shirlyn Kesler, Travis and Tarah Campbell, and Tammi Weenig. This group of friends and family has deep-rooted passion for the brand and a commitment to community-centric entrepreneurship. Keith, who spent 30 years in the corporate world, transitioned into this venture to focus on building a business centered on joy and local connection. This milestone marks the 12th Handel's location for the partners, who have spent years perfecting the art of delivering the brand's "made fresh daily" philosophy across the region.
"After three decades in corporate America, I wanted to lead a venture that was purely about happiness," said Keith Kesler, Co-Owner of Handel's Carmel Mountain Ranch. "We have truly enjoyed being a part of this community over the years and look forward to seeing all the great families we have come to know. Our amazing, friendly staff is thrilled to introduce our neighbors to ice cream made fresh on-site every single day."
The 1,600-square-foot walk-up shop features eight service windows for efficient service during busy hours. It will offer 48 rotating flavors made fresh daily, as well as pickup and delivery options through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, along with catering services. The shop will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information, visit handelsicecream.com/carmel-mountain-ranch or follow them on Instagram @handelscarmelmountain.
Handel's Ice Cream has been making ice cream since 1945, starting in Youngstown, Ohio. The brand uses abundant ingredients and makes ice cream by hand in small batches at each location. With over 175 locations across 20 states, Handel's has earned numerous accolades, including being ranked #1 Sweet Treat and a Top 10 Brand to Buy by Franchise Times. The brand is also featured on the publication's Top 400 list of the largest franchise systems and its Fast & Serious list. Additionally, Handel's was recognized on Fast Casual's Movers & Shakers 2025 list, and CEO Jennifer Schuler was named among the Top 25 Industry Executives. The brand is recognized as a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine.
The partners have been active in the area through fundraising and catering events and are eager to further those local ties. "We didn't want just any ice cream shop—we aimed to bring the 'World's Best Ice Cream' to our community," Kesler said. "With this being our 12th shop, our mission remains the same: creating lasting memories for San Diego families."
