Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoops Industry Veterans to Expand Leadership Team

December 11, 2025 // Franchising.com // YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has named two seasoned industry leaders to its executive team: Garrett Snyder joins as vice president of real estate, construction and design, and Deepak Kahlon has been appointed vice president of operations.

Snyder brings a proven track record to Handel’s with more than 15 years of franchise development and real estate expertise, previously serving as Vice President of Development at Mountain Mike’s Pizza and holding leadership roles at Blaze Pizza and Nékter Juice Bar.

Kahlon is a seasoned operations and management executive with more than 24 years of experience driving growth, profitability, and operational excellence across leading franchise brands. His accomplishments include revitalizing concepts such as Baja Fresh and Wetzel’s Pretzels, spearheading digital transformation initiatives, optimizing financial performance, and developing high-impact programs like quarterly business reviews and digital operational systems. He also brings significant experience from both McDonald’s corporate and franchise operations, where he helped elevate operational consistency, strengthen brand standards, and accelerate business results.

“Handel’s has been in growth mode for several years, and Garrett and Deepak are key to taking us to the next level,” said Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Handel’s. “They bring proven track records in building strong, scalable systems — exactly what we need as we thoughtfully expand into new markets while preserving what makes Handel’s so special to our guests.”

Handel’s development pipeline remains strong and consistent, with dozens of new locations added in recent years. The brand’s growth strategy focuses on high-demand markets and partnering with franchise partners who share its commitment to quality, service and community connection — the same principles that have guided the company since Alice Handel first began serving ice cream from her husband’s gas station in 1945.

SOURCE Handel’s Ice Cream

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