Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, the iconic dessert franchise famous for homemade ice cream, is expanding into Illinois for the first time with a multi-unit agreement in the Chicago-metropolitan-area.
The new Handel’s ice cream parlors will be developed in the Chicago suburbs of Elgin, Geneva/St. Charles and Algonquin, with the first location slated to open in late 2027. The new franchisee at the helm of this landmark entry into Illinois is Castro Rafeedie, an entrepreneur with significant experience in restaurant operations.
Rafeedie grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, where Handel’s was founded in 1945. “Bringing our hometown brand to Illinois and being the first Handel’s franchisee in the state is such a special feeling,” Rafeedie said. “We looked at other concepts where everything was made in a central facility and shipped in, and that just didn’t appeal to us.
After starting in the restaurant industry while in college, Rafeedie discovered a passion for building experiences through food and eventually went on to own a pizzeria in Dublin, Ohio, for nearly 12 years.
“We’re so excited to be expanding into Illinois with such an incredible operator,” said Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Handel’s Ice Cream.
In April 2026, Handel’s published their most recent franchise disclosure document, which again saw the brand’s Average Unit Volume increase to $1,115,650.
“The amount of interest that we’re experiencing from strong multi-unit entrepreneurs in Illinois is very inspiring,” says Erin Snyder, VP of Franchise Development. “We might be the fastest growing ice cream franchise in the nation, but I also believe that we’re most selective. The quality of entrepreneurs who are reaching out to us now that we’re developing exemplifies our high standards.