Handel’s opens new Bakersfield South shop as California growth continues

Handel’s Ice Cream will open a new Bakersfield South location on July 2 at 9723 Panama Lane, adding to its California footprint and giving franchisees Clinton and DeAnna Lewis a third store. The shop will offer 48 rotating flavors, delivery and catering as Handel’s continues its nationwide expansion.

Why it matters: - Handel’s Ice Cream is adding another California location as the chain keeps expanding beyond its Ohio roots. - The Bakersfield South shop gives Clinton and DeAnna Lewis a third Handel’s store, deepening the couple’s local investment in the brand. - The opening adds another dessert option in Bakersfield and extends the chain’s delivery and catering reach in the market.

What happened: - Handel’s Ice Cream is opening a new store at 9723 Panama Lane in Bakersfield South. - The shop opens to the public Thursday, July 2. - Daily hours will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Clinton and DeAnna Lewis own and operate the location. - The Bakersfield South shop is their third Handel’s store. - The couple also owns the Culver City location and an existing Bakersfield store.

The details: - The Bakersfield South location will serve 48 rotating flavors. - Customers will be able to order pickup and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. - The shop will also offer catering services. - Clinton Lewis brings more than 30 years of financial consulting experience. - DeAnna Lewis holds a master’s degree in educational counseling and has more than 20 years of experience in social services. - Handel’s has made and sold ice cream since 1945. - The brand was founded in Youngstown, Ohio, by Alice Handel. - Lenny Fisher later purchased the brand. - Handel’s says it now operates more than 175 locations across 20 states. - The company also says it offers 48 flavors every day and more than 140 seasonal rotating flavors. - Handel’s notes franchise recognition from Franchise Times, Fast Casual, and Entrepreneur Magazine. - CEO Jennifer Schuler was named among Fast Casual’s Top 25 Industry Executives.

Between the lines: - The Bakersfield South opening reflects a familiar franchise playbook: grow with operators who already know the brand and the local market. - The Lewis family’s multiple locations suggest Handel’s is leaning on multi-unit ownership to scale in California. - Delivery partnerships signal that the brand is trying to capture more off-premise sales, not just walk-in traffic.

What's next: - Handel’s will begin serving customers in Bakersfield South on July 2. - More California expansion could follow if the brand keeps adding franchise operators with existing store experience. - More information is available in the company's announcement and on Instagram at @handelsbakersfieldofficial.

The bottom line: - Handel’s is widening its California footprint with a new Bakersfield South store, and the opening strengthens an already established local franchise team.