Franchise

A Franchise Built to Scale

SUCCESS IS IN THE SWIRL

Top store gross revenue (2024)*

Average revenue for top 50% of stores (2024)*

Gross Margin (after COGS)**

WANT TO SELL OVER
1 MILLION OUNCES OF FROYO PER YEAR?

Since 2008, 16 Handles has redefined what frozen yogurt can be— delivering unmatched flavor, quality, and innovation. Our self-serve format gives guests the freedom to customize every cup, while providing franchisees with a streamlined, low-labor model that’s simple to operate and built for growth. Backed by nearly two decades of brand equity and operational success, 16 Handles is your opportunity to tap into the booming $30 billion frozen desserts market with a concept that’s as fun as it is scalable.***

16 unique and rotating flavors Loyal millennial customer base 50+ premium and exclusive toppings Family friendly destination with 20+ seats

GET STARTED

$500K

MINIMUM NET

WORTH REQUIRED

$150K

MINIMUM LIQUID

CASH REQUIRED

$30K

FRANCHISE FEE

MULTIPLE UNIT

DISCOUNT

$249,500 –
$656,500K*

COMPLETE STARTUP

COST RANGE (USD)

*Per unit developed. Startup cost is estimated, dependent on site size, location, improvement allowance, and current condition. Range includes a one-time non-refundable franchise fee of $30,000 due to us at Franchise Agreement signing.

Young girl loving ice cream cup at 16handles

LED BY A LOCAL OPERATOR
(NOT WALL STREET)

Unlike many of today’s private equity–owned franchise brands, 16 Handles is proudly operator-led. Our CEO, Neil Hershman, owns and operates six successful 16 Handles locations throughout New York City. From real-world experience managing high-volume stores to refining vendor relationships and overseeing buildouts, the systems and strategies used across our franchise network are based on what works in his own shops.

Your training team will be led by Lisa Mallon, our VP of Operations and Training, who brings 13 years of experience owning and managing a very successful 16 Handles location. That means franchisees benefit from a proven, profit-focused blueprint— not boardroom theory.

NEIL HERSHMAN, CEO

BEHIND THE SWIRL

Lenny Spiegel

Franchise Partner, NY

Owning a 16 Handles feels like owning a piece of the community. It’s a place for all ages—kids after school, families out for a treat, teams after a game. It’s safe, fun, and full of smiles. And of course, we serve the best-tasting frozen yogurt around.

BEHIND THE SWIRL

Ali Zaidi

Franchise Partner, NY and NJ

Opening my first 16 Handles nearly 10 years ago was the start of an amazing journey. The brand has truly changed my life. I now own four locations and plan to keep growing. I’ve owned other franchises, but 16 Handles is the best when it comes to the revenue you take home.

BUILT FOR SUCCESS

Everything you need to launch, run, and grow with confidence

TURNKEY REAL ESTATE & BUILDOUT

Site, design, and construction support

TECH & MARKETING TOOLS

App, website, and loyalty platform access

HANDS-ON TRAINING

At our stores and yours

EXCLUSIVE GRAB & GO

Merch, cookie dough, and more

TURNKEY REAL ESTATE & BUILDOUT

Artisan flavor and product development

PREFFERED VENDOR SAVINGS

Delivery and software partnerships

GRAND OPENING SUPPORT

PR, mailers, and planning to drive lines

ONGOING EXPERT SUPPORT

Guidance from our experienced team

AS FEATURED IN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW CAN I GET STARTED?

The first step is to fill out the info form at the top or bottom of this page. Once submitted, you’ll see a scheduling link and also receive an email to book a call with our franchise development team. From there, we’ll have a series of conversations to answer your questions, learn more about you, and review our Franchise Disclosure Document together.

You’ll also have the chance to meet our leadership team and attend a Discovery Day at a 16 Handles location. If it feels like the right fit, we’ll work with you to choose a territory and create an expansion plan. The timeline is flexible based on your pace– some franchisees have opened their doors in as little as four to five months from their very first call.

HOW WILL MY STORE PERFORM FINANCIALLY?

Prospective franchisees often ask, “How much money will my 16 Handles store make?” or “What is the profit margin of a frozen yogurt franchise?” These are important questions because investing in a franchise is a significant decision, and understanding your potential return on investment (ROI) and net profit margin is essential.

At 16 Handles, financial performance varies by location– factors such as buildout costs, rent, labor, and local market conditions all impact store profitability. As disclosed in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average unit volume (AUV) for the top 50% of stores was $983,903 in gross sales, with the top store reaching $2,120,516. The top 25% of stores averaged $1,166,920 in gross sales. These figures represent stores open for the full 2024 calendar year (see Item 19, 2025 FDD).

In addition to strong sales, franchisees typically achieve a gross margin of nearly 74% after food costs, which highlights the efficiency of our model and the profitability potential of each location. We believe 16 Handles consistently outperforms many other frozen yogurt and dessert concepts thanks to our premium positioning as an affordable luxury, our addictive better-for-you frozen yogurt and soft serve that drives repeat visits multiple times a week, and our welcoming, community-focused environment where families, friends, and teams come to gather. Just as importantly, our franchisees play a hands-on role in grassroots community marketing and hospitality, creating loyal customers and strong neighborhood connections that fuel long-term success.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO FRANCHISE A 16 HANDLES STORE?

The estimated start-up cost ranges from $249,500 to $656,000, which includes a $30,000 franchise fee due upon signing. The actual cost depends on factors such as store size, location, condition of the space, and landlord incentives. The largest expenses are typically the general contractor’s buildout and the specialty soft-serve machines– a long-term investment that retains much of its value and has an expected useful life of 15+ years. Many franchisees secure 1,500 sq. ft. in-line storefronts and negotiate favorable tenant improvement allowances with their landlords, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Many franchisees are finding ideal 1,500 sq. ft. in-line storefronts that allow them to negotiate favorable tenant improvement allowances, significantly reducing buildout costs.

Lower end of the range: A simple conversion where much of the existing infrastructure is reusable.

Higher end of the range: A larger, overbuilt store with surplus equipment, premium finishes, and little to no landlord contribution toward improvements.

WHAT IS THE FRANCHISE FEE FOR A 16 HANDLES STORE?

The franchise fee for your first 16 Handles location is $30,000, due when you sign your Franchise Agreement. If you choose to expand or sign a multi-unit agreement, the fee for additional locations is discounted to $20,000 to $25,000 per store, depending on the number of units you commit to develop. This fee grants you the rights to operate under the 16 Handles brand and includes full access to our training, marketing, tech-stack, proprietary frozen yogurts, and ongoing support systems.

WHAT ARE THE ROYALTY AND MARKETING FEES?

Franchisees pay a 6% royalty on gross sales and a 2% marketing and brand development fee on gross sales. These investments go directly toward the ongoing support that helps you run a successful business– covering everything from training, R&D, and operational resources to brand-wide marketing and SEO campaigns that build awareness and drive traffic to your store. By pooling resources across the system, every franchisee benefits from stronger recognition, proven tools, and continued growth of the 16 Handles brand. Unlike many other concepts, 16 Handles does not operate any corporate stores– every location contributes to the marketing and development fund, ensuring that all dollars go toward supporting franchisees.

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS OF AN APPROVED FRANCHISEE?

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED SIZE FOR A 16 HANDLES STORE?

Our traditional stores are around 1,500 sq. ft., which allows seating for 25+ guests– an important differentiator for 16 Handles, since we want our shops to feel like the local community hangout, especially after school and after dinner. Some larger stores include extra seating or even dedicated party rooms that can be rented for special events, but these features are optional.

We also operate smaller, non-traditional locations in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls or alternative venues where a compact footprint makes sense. During the development process, we’ll work closely with you to evaluate retail options and determine the best format for your specific market.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO OPEN A 16 HANDLES STORE?

The timeline to open a 16 Handles depends on factors such as site selection, the condition of the space, and the construction schedule. Once your Franchise Agreement is signed, the process can be as quick as four months, though most stores open within six to eight months.

We provide full site selection support, including local brokerage assistance and help negotiating your lease. Our team also works with you on drafting floorplans and coordinating with local architects to expedite permits. To simplify construction, we use common materials and standardized millwork so that contractors can deliver competitive bids. A typical buildout takes about three months, capped off with a one-week pre-opening period where our team is on-site to train your staff and prepare for a successful grand opening weekend.

HOW DO I GET SUPPLIES FOR MY STORE?

16 Handles provides a streamlined distribution network that supplies all the products and materials you’ll need to operate your store. From frozen yogurt and toppings to branded packaging and even dish soap, our system ensures consistent quality, reliable availability, and competitive pricing so you can stay focused on running your business instead of managing dozens of vendors. Thanks to our national buying power, franchisees can achieve a gross margin of about 73.9% after food costs, as disclosed in our Franchise Disclosure Document by the reporting stores (see 2024 FDD for more detail).

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE IF I OPEN A FRANCHISE?

At 16 Handles, we see franchising as a true partnership– you’ll work directly with our experienced team, including the company’s leadership, from the moment you inquire through your grand opening and well beyond.

Our support starts with site selection, where we help you analyze your market, connect you with local brokerage, and negotiate favorable lease terms. From there, we’ll guide you through store layout and design, using standardized materials and millwork to simplify construction and reduce costs. You (and your managers if applicable) will then attend a full week of hands-on training at a successful location, followed by a week of on-site pre-opening support where our team helps train your staff and prepare for a successful launch.

As a franchisee, you’ll have access to our exclusive operations manual and online brand portal, suppliers and vendors, and proprietary tools, along with ongoing marketing, technology, and product development support. We leverage the power of the 16 Handles brand to negotiate lower costs with technology partners– including discounted rates with credit card processors and even third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash– so you can stay competitive and maximize profitability. In addition, we provide branded digital assets, seasonal flavor launches, and system-wide marketing campaigns, while also equipping you with community-level marketing strategies that our franchisees use to build loyal, repeat customers. From day one, you’re not on your own, you’re part of a proven system that’s designed to help you grow.

WHAT MARKETS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR FRANCHISING?

We’re growing quickly, with 30+ new stores already under site selection and construction, but there are still prime territories available. Opportunities exist in both established 16 Handles markets and new, high-growth areas we’ve identified as ideal for expansion. Whether you’re interested in opening a single shop or developing multiple units, now is the time to secure your market and be part of our nationwide growth.

CAN I OPEN A 16 HANDLES LOCATION INTERNATIONALLY?

WHO IS NEIL HERSHMAN

Neil Hershman is the CEO and owner of 16 Handles, and the driving force behind the brand’s recent resurgence and national expansion. He first joined 16 Handles as a franchisee in New York City, where he successfully grew multiple locations before acquiring the company in 2022. With a background in finance, real estate, and multi-unit operations, Neil leads the brand with a hands-on approach– he’s equally comfortable negotiating leases as he is working alongside team members in a store. Under his leadership, 16 Handles has redefined the self-serve frozen yogurt experience with premium products, modern design, strong technology, and a community-focused culture. His vision is to make 16 Handles the fastest-growing, most innovative frozen dessert franchise while supporting franchisees as true partners in the brand’s success.

Neil has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Fortune Magazine, NBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business, and Franchise Times, and he is a regular contributor to live business news programs. Outside of the office, Neil is an avid adventurer: he is a mountain climber (including a summit of Mount Everest), ultra-triathlete, commercially rated pilot, and master scuba diver. Most importantly, he’s a proud father to two daughters, Summer and Natalie. Neil resides with his family in New York City, where 16 Handles is headquartered.

HOW DOES 16 HANDLES COMPARE TO OTHER FROZEN YOGURT FRANCHISES?

When prospective franchisees research frozen yogurt concepts, they often compare brands such as Pinkberry, Menchie’s, Peachwave, and Yogurtland, or even ice cream brands like Cold Stone Creamery, to 16 Handles. While each brand has name recognition, 16 Handles is unique in offering a premium, community-driven frozen yogurt experience with modern store design, innovative flavors, and strong franchisee support, and is the only brand credited with leading the resurgence of frozen yogurt.

Our stores look and feel more like a Starbucks or Panera Bread– comfortable, upscale, and inviting for adults, while still being a go-to spot for kids and families. With 16 premium flavors on tap every day and constant menu innovation, we serve a wider audience and set the trends, not follow them.

From Oat Milk soft serve to keto, high-protein, and kefir varieties, we’ve redefined what frozen yogurt can be. And with new, buzz-worthy flavors dropping every month (think French Fry, Dubai Chocolate, or even Squid Ink) we keep guests talking, sharing, and coming back for more. While competitors like Pinkberry, Menchie’s, Peachwave, and Yogurtland feel dated, 16 Handles is built for today’s customer, and tomorrow’s growth.

Unlike many competitors that operate corporate-owned locations, 16 Handles is franchisee-owned and managed. Our stores also deliver stronger unit economics, with an average unit volume (AUV) for the top 50% of stores at $983,903 and a gross margin of about 74% after food costs (as disclosed in our 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document). Add to this our hands-on training, technology partnerships, discounted delivery app rates, and ongoing flavor innovation, and 16 Handles stands out as one of the most competitive opportunities in the frozen dessert space.

WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT 16 HANDLES?

Checkout some of our recent press:

New York Times: The Man Who Would Save Fro-Yo

CNBC Make It: 30-year-old CEO left Wall Street, bought a ‘stale’ frozen yogurt chain

Entrepreneur Magazine: He Went From Customer to CEO of a Rapidly-Expanding Dessert Chain By Following This Process

Bloomberg TV: 16 Handles CEO on Handling Trade Uncertainty

And many more!

Plus, wondering if 16 Handles has a national customer appeal? Check out these articles on Buzzfeed, the Today Show, and Yelp.

THIS COULD BE THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING SWEET

Turn your passion into a business. Start your journey – apply now!

Submit an application Get our FREE franchisee brochure Chat with our team

Submit an application

Get our FREE franchisee brochure

Chat with our team

*The FDD, which is provided to candidates during the recruitment and mutual evaluation process, contains important details that provide more insight about each of the revenue and expense figures reported above. For further evaluation and details, see item 19 of the 2025 FDD.

**The reported Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) expense of 26.1% reflects the average from six affiliate-owned locations, which are the only units that disclosed this expense. For additional details, please refer to Item 19 of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the accompanying notes above.

*** GRAND VIEW RESEARCH INC. 2025

This website is not a franchise offering and nothing here should be construed to be an offer to sell a franchise. This information on this website is not being directed to the residents of any particular jurisdiction. No offer or sale of a franchise will be made except by a franchise disclosure document, registered or duly exempt in your jurisdiction, and upon delivery of a franchise disclosure document to you in compliance with applicable law. See current FDD for additional details.

Franchise

A Franchise Built to Scale

SUCCESS IS IN THE SWIRL

WANT TO SELL OVER1 MILLION OUNCES OF FROYO PER YEAR?

GET STARTED

$500K

$150K

$30K

$249,500 –$656,500K*

*Per unit developed. Startup cost is estimated, dependent on site size, location, improvement allowance, and current condition. Range includes a one-time non-refundable franchise fee of $30,000 due to us at Franchise Agreement signing.

LED BY A LOCAL OPERATOR(NOT WALL STREET)

NEIL HERSHMAN, CEO

BEHIND THE SWIRL

Lenny Spiegel

Franchise Partner, NY

BEHIND THE SWIRL

Ali Zaidi

Franchise Partner, NY and NJ

BUILT FOR SUCCESS

TURNKEY REAL ESTATE & BUILDOUT

TECH & MARKETING TOOLS

HANDS-ON TRAINING

EXCLUSIVE GRAB & GO

TURNKEY REAL ESTATE & BUILDOUT

PREFFERED VENDOR SAVINGS

GRAND OPENING SUPPORT

ONGOING EXPERT SUPPORT

AS FEATURED IN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

THIS COULD BE THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING SWEET

WANT TO SELL OVER
1 MILLION OUNCES OF FROYO PER YEAR?

$249,500 –
$656,500K*

LED BY A LOCAL OPERATOR
(NOT WALL STREET)