Handles is undergoing an expansion in the Greater Houston area. According to a recently filed state permit, the ice cream brand is planning to open a new location inside the Pin Oak Plaza at 4130 FM 1488, Ste 122 in Conroe.
The permit details that construction on the new Handles is slated to start in March and wrap up towards the end of May, just in time for the summer.
Magnolia Scoops, Inc, a premium, Filipino-inspired brand known for tropical flavors, is listed on the permit as the tenant. Handle’s connected with What Now Houston with franchisee, Garett Francis, who is opening the new Plaza location with his wife. Francis and a Handle’s representative confirmed the upcoming Conroe opening, but were unable to share any further details by the time of this publication.
In 2008, 16 Handles became New York City’s first self-serve fro-yo shop. Founded by Solomon Choi, the sweets shop offers a customizable dessert experience with, you guessed, 16 flavor handles.
The name is also a reference to the movie Sixteen Candles.
The brand quickly grew in the 2010s with the frozen yogurt boom, targeting an upscale millennial crowd with cool, modern stores, but has since navigated industry shifts, with a focus on innovation and community engagement, now under new ownership led by CEO Neil Hershman. Hershman acquired the company in 2010.
There are now nearly 40 16 Handles locations throughout the country, with four in Texas. But that number is quickly changing. 16 Handles is on a fast track to growing its footprint in Texas.
Though 16 Handles started with 16 yogurt flavors, that number has ballooned and includes flavors like cake batter, butter bear, chocolate daydream (which has no added sugar), and much more. Of course, customers can slather on a variety of toppings. 16 Handles also serves smoothies, milkshakes, sugar cookie dough with rainbow sprinkles, and soft serve.
The new 16 Handles is set to open in the Pin Oak Plaza at 4130 FM 1488, Ste 122 in Conroe by this summer.
