16 Handles to Launch Stores Across Texas

16 Handles
Published: December 18th, 2023

December 18, 2023 // Franchising.com // NEW YORK, N.Y. - 16 Handles will mark its Texas debut with the opening of stores throughout Houston, Dallas, and Austin this spring.

16 Handles has a menu featuring 16 different soft serve flavors, over 50 toppings and sauces, as well as a variety of frozen novelties such as cakes, cookie dough, and take-home pints. The brand’s largest franchisee, Neil Hershman, acquired the chain and became the brand’s CEO in 2022 and teamed up with celebrity YouTuber Danny Duncan as an investor.

“I’m ecstatic that we have had the opportunity to team up with experienced local business owners who are passionate about bringing the best dessert to their communities. 16 Handles is focused on scaling at the right time in the right way and bringing a lot of excitement around frozen yogurt and soft serve!” said Hershman.

The brand has signed the following franchise agreements throughout the state:

• Magnolia, TX - Ryan and Crystal Waugh have signed an agreement to open two 16 Handles locations – one in Magnolia, TX and a second in Northwest Houston. The couple runs a successful winery in California and recently moved back to Texas where they are excited to bring their business acumen to the frozen dessert space, hoping to make 16 Handles the go-to spot in Magnolia. The couple’s two sons will also be involved in the business.
• Frisco, TX – Sachin and Aparna Deshpande, a husband-and-wife duo, will open a store in Frisco, TX. The pair bring a combined background in tech/IT and accounting to the new business. 
• Missouri City, TX – Couple Myles and Tabatha Abshire will open a store in Missouri City and say they are excited to build a place for the community to connect. Myles has a family history of franchising, and the duo has a background in public relations, marketing and business.
• Austin, TX – Jim Duffy brings a wealth of experience to 16 Handles, combining his knowledge and passion after years of working in the restaurant industry with a background in software technology. He is looking forward to opening his location in Austin and building a connection with the community for himself and his two young kids.
• Richmond, TX - David and Lin Ding will open a 16 Handles in Richmond, TX. Lin has always dreamed of being a business owner, and after meeting the 16 Handles team she knew it would be the right fit for her and her family. David works in project management for a large oil company. The pair are raising their two daughters and loved the community and the idea of having a business their kids can be involved in.

Myles Abshire added: “We wanted to have more touch points with the community and embrace the community we live in. 16 Handles is giving us the opportunity to create a place for more people to connect and gather and we’re really excited to partner with local schools and businesses for a sense of community and dessert.”

SOURCE 16 Handles