Ava McDonnell 
A new ice cream shop in Oviedo is drawing long lines and plenty of curiosity, as Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opened its first Florida location in February. This Ohio staple with decades of history seems to be popular in a fast-growing community like Central Florida.
Located in Stonewood Plaza, the shop quietly began serving customers earlier this year. For many customers, the appeal starts with the product itself. Handel’s is known for its small-batch ice cream made fresh daily in each store, with more than 100 flavors in rotation and roughly 40 to 50 available at any given time. From classic options like vanilla and chocolate to more indulgent combinations like blueberry cobbler and s’mores, the menu is designed to offer familiarity and variety.
With a loyal brand following, the Oviedo location is not just about adding another dessert spot; it’s about bringing the name to a new area.
Founded in 1945 by Alice Handel in Youngstown, Ohio, Handel’s began as a neighborhood operation built on homemade recipes and simple ingredients. It has grown into a national franchise with more than 170 locations, while maintaining its focus on in-store production and consistency.
The roughly 2,000-square-foot shop features a walk-up design with outdoor seating. The setup caters to quick service while also creating a casual, community-oriented atmosphere where customers can gather and stay awhile.
The store has also brought new jobs to the area, employing a mix of part-time and full-time staff, with a focus on hiring locally.
For Oviedo, the addition of Handel’s reflects broader growth in the area’s retail and dining landscape, with more national brands. For the company, it represents an entry point into a state where demand for cold treats rarely slows down.
As customers continue to line up in its opening weeks, the shop is already establishing itself as a new go-to for desserts in the area, one built on a blend of long-standing recipes and a new local audience.
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