Min Lee made a quick inquiry online about the booming froyo spot, 16 Handles, and now she’s embarking on opening her very first shop in the Greater Houston region. The new 16 Handles is set to open in Katy at 4906 FM 1463 suite 400. Lee shared that the new sweet shop is slated to open in late April this year.
We’re really looking forward to being part of the community and creating a fun place to gather,” Lee said via email.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our grand opening in April.”
The store will open in a location ripe for business. The new 16 Handles will open next to Maple Street Biscuit Company.
“We wanted to open in an area experiencing exciting growth, and Fulshear stood out immediately—it was recently named the second fastest-growing city in the U.S,” Lee said.
“The store is located between two great communities, Cinco Ranch and Cross Creek Ranch, and we felt it was the perfect spot to become a neighborhood favorite.”
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. Fred Frey, VP of Franchise Development at 16 Handles, shared the news about the upcoming opening.
Lee’s husband first discovered the brand while on a work trip to New York and loved how customizable it was, along with the better-for-you options.
“We made an inquiry online shortly after, and now we’re here—about to open our very own 16 Handles,” Lee said.
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 brand is also known for rolling out trendy, never-before-done flavors, including their newest addition, Strawberry Kefir,” Lee said.
“The rotating flavors are definitely a highlight—there’s always something new to try. And of course, mixing flavors and piling on toppings makes every visit a little different.”
Perhaps, the 16 Handles various option is also what make it so special. This special addition is coming to the Greater Houston region community this spring.
“We’re really looking forward to being part of the community and creating a fun place to gather. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for our grand opening in April,” Lee said.
The new 16 Handles is set to open in Katy at 4906 FM 1463 suite 400, in late April.
