Heritage Dessert Brand Launches Creamy, Tangy Citrus Scoop Across All National Locations
Summertime menu planning often relies on nostalgia, blending classic warm-weather beverages with premium frozen treats to create unique seasonal combinations. Handel’s Ice Cream, a landmark brand that has been crafting frozen desserts since 1945, has announced the upcoming rollout of its newest limited-time flavor: Pink Lemonade. Arriving at all storefront locations across the United States on June 1, 2026, the updated recipe combines a base of creamy sweetness with a bright, tangy burst of citrus flavor.
The Pink Lemonade profile marks the second major menu expansion for the company in 2026, following the earlier debut of Raspberry Sheet Cake. The scratch-made recipe incorporates real lemon sour candies mixed with a rich strawberry ripple swirl, creating an eye-catching and flavorful scoop crafted for guests of all ages.
“Our Pink Lemonade ice cream puts a refreshing twist on a classic summertime beverage,” said Hillary Frei, Chief Marketing Officer of Handel’s. “This new flavor captures the carefree fun of summer in every scoop. Whether it’s kids chasing an after-dinner treat to guests looking for a refreshing summer treat, Pink Lemonade was made to bring smiles to guests of all ages.”
Serving Options and Event Catering at Handel’s
The brand continues to balance contemporary flavor innovation with its historic, foundational recipes. Every location presents a signature lineup of 48 daily selections, which are manufactured directly on-site every morning. The complete recipe library contains more than 140 additional varieties that rotate through the menu depending on the time of year.
To accommodate different consumer preferences, the summer lineup can be packaged using several traditional formats:
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Individual Servings: Guests can order the Pink Lemonade flavor served in a standard dish, a premium cone, or blended into a thick milkshake.
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Take-Home Options: For customers looking to extend their seasonal stock, shops provide hand-packed pints directly from the dipping cabinets.
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Event Catering Systems: Local operators provide customized party setups suited for backyard barbecues, family birthday parties, and community celebrations.
Brand Legacy and National Franchise Expansion
The business trace elements date back to 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio, where founder Alice Handel opened a single neighborhood parlor. The operation was later acquired by Lenny Fisher, who initiated the transition from a local favorite into a nationally recognized franchise system. Under the current corporate leadership of CEO Jennifer Schuler, the enterprise continues to emphasize quality by utilizing abundant ingredients prepared by hand in small, daily batches at each store.
Today, the footprint encompasses more than 175 open units spanning 20 states, with steady regional development underway. This sustained growth has earned the business numerous national industry accolades. The brand was ranked as the #1 Sweet Treat and a Top 10 Brand to Buy by Franchise Times, alongside inclusion on the publication’s Top 400 and Fast & Serious lists. Furthermore, the company secured a spot on Fast Casual’s Movers & Shakers 2026 list, where CEO Jennifer Schuler was named among the Top 25 Industry Executives, and holds a position on the Entrepreneur Magazine Top 500 Franchise index.
For more information, including menu and locations, visit HandelsIceCream.com. To learn more about Handel’s franchise opportunities, visit HandelsIceCream.com/franchise.
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