Zara Afshar, the operator behind Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Northridge and Calabasas, has a new location on the way to Encino later this year. The ice cream shop will open at 16545 Ventura Blvd, Suite 16.
Afshar is also bringing a spot to Tarzana this year, as previously reported by What Now Los Angeles. Once the Encino and Tarzana locations open, Afshar and her family will own four locations with the popular franchise.
Afshar told What Now Los Angeles that the team is hoping to open both locations by the summer.
“We’re extremely happy with the brand. Everybody loves it,” Afshar said. “I want to grow with the company. This will be my legacy for my children.”
Handel’s, which began in Ohio, celebrated 80 years last year. It has been seeing positive growth in recent years, with 24% unit growth for the brand in 2024. The ice cream chain, known for fresh ice cream made on site and a wide variety of flavors, has exploded across Southern California, gathering locations across the Los Angeles market and down to San Diego.
