Local franchisee Zara Afshar is planning a new location for Ohio-based Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. The spot, which marks Afshar’s third location with the brand, will open at 18729 Ventura Blvd in Tarzana.
Afshar, who currently operates spots in Northridge and Calabasas, became acquainted with the brand years ago while she was working as an executive chef. She was attracted to the freshness of the ice cream, which is made on site daily.
“Being a chef in the food business, freshness of the product is very important to me, so I was drawn to the concept,” Afshar told What Now Los Angeles.
Afshar, originally from Iran, has lived in the San Fernando Valley area for about 40 years. Her familiarity with the area encouraged her to open a spot in Tarzana.
“One of the reasons I wanted to open in Tarzana and not in any other areas is because this is my hometown, these are my people and my community,” Afshar said. “My children grew up here and I gave birth in the hospitals. It’s very dear to my heart.”
Construction has just begun on the location. Afshar said she hopes to open by summer.
For Afshar, the Handel’s franchises are a family affair. She co-owns the location in Calabasas with her daughters, and she hopes to keep building her footprint as part of her legacy.
“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.”
