Handel’s Ice Cream, a national franchise with locations across the country, is developing a new location in Buckeye, at the northeast corner of the Interstate 10 Freeway and Verrado Way.
The company’s newest location was announced last month as one of the several tenants coming to the new Verrado Marketplace, the West Valley’s next-generation shopping center, according to a press release. This is the latest from existing franchise owner Joe Maher, who is behind the Handel’s locations at Park West in Peoria and the Shops at Lake Pleasant. He is now working on a new location in Buckeye, which is expected to open in Spring 2026, along with a handful of other announced tenants.
Verrado Marketplace will stand at the entrance to DMB Associates’ 8,800-acre Verrado master-planned community. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Vestar unveiled more than 15 new retailers to join anchor tenants Target, Harkins Theater’s newest ‘Backlot’ concept, Safeway, Ross, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. Other tenants announced for the development include ULTA Beauty, Famous Footwear, Buckle, Salt Tacos + Tequila, Bath & Body Works, Shake Shack, Nekter Juice, See’s Candies, Thai Chili, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tropical Smoothie, Hawaiian Bros., European Wax Center, Zara Nails, Pacific Dental, America’s Best Contacts & Glasses, and Mountain America Credit Union.
“As one of Verrado’s very first residents, I’ve driven past this vacant lot for over 20 years,” Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn said at the groundbreaking event. “I couldn’t be more excited to finally see this land transformed into the vibrant destination we’ve always envisioned. The date-night restaurants, entertainment, and retail Buckeye residents have been asking for and truly deserve will soon be in our backyard. This Vestar development will elevate Buckeye as the place to be in the West Valley and help drive growth throughout the entire city.”
The highly anticipated entertainment and lifestyle destination will feature unique amenities to enhance the visitor experience. These include a splash pad, a live performance stage and video screen, and a half-acre central lawn surrounded by restaurants featuring outdoor fireplaces. Verrado Marketplace will also offer a “Sip & Stroll” experience, where guests over 21 can consume alcoholic beverages while enjoying designated common areas. Planned activities will include musical performances, holiday celebrations, and other community-focused events, further enhancing its role as a destination for local engagement.
