Handel's Ice Cream, World's Best, Opens 12th San Diego Shop

San Diego's Carmel Mountain Ranch is about to get a sweet new addition as Handel's Ice Cream, ranked the #1 ice cream in the world by National Geographic, opens its doors at 11134 Rancho Carmel Drive on June 9, 2026. The grand opening celebration features giveaways all day, and the first 30 guests in line at 11:00 a.m. will receive an exclusive Handel's spoon. This marks the 12th location for a dedicated partnership group led by Keith and Shirlyn Kesler, Travis and Tarah Campbell, and Tammi Weenig—a team of friends and family who have built their business around community connection and a passion for the brand.

The new 1,600-square-foot walk-up shop boasts eight service windows for efficient service and offers 48 rotating flavors made fresh daily, plus delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. Keith Kesler, a former corporate executive who transitioned to entrepreneurship, emphasizes the mission of creating lasting memories for San Diego families. "After three decades in corporate America, I wanted to lead a venture that was purely about happiness," said Kesler. The team has already been active locally through fundraising and catering, and they look forward to deepening those ties.

Handel's Ice Cream, founded in 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio, by Alice Handel and later purchased by Lenny Fisher, now has over 175 locations across 20 states. The brand is committed to quality, using abundant ingredients and making ice cream by hand in small batches daily. Handel's has earned numerous accolades, including being ranked the #1 Sweet Treat and a Top 10 Brand to Buy by Franchise Times, and CEO Jennifer Schuler was named among the Top 25 Industry Executives. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.handelsicecream.com/franchise.