Handel’s opens Logan shop with free ice cream giveaway

Handel’s Ice Cream will open a new shop in historic downtown Logan, Utah, on Sept. 24, with the first 100 guests promised free ice cream for a year. The opening adds another Utah location for the 1945-founded chain and brings 48 flavors, catering and delivery to Laub Plaza.

Why it matters: - Handel’s is expanding in Utah with a new shop in historic downtown Logan, adding a community-facing dessert spot in Cache Valley. - The opening brings a national ice cream brand to Laub Plaza and adds more than just scoops, with catering, pickup and delivery options.

What happened: - Handel’s Ice Cream will celebrate the grand opening of its Logan shop on Thursday, Sept. 24, starting at 11 a.m. - The store is located at Laub Plaza, 45 N Main Street, Suite 110, in historic downtown Logan. - The first 100 guests in line will receive free ice cream for a year. - Grand opening weekend continues Saturday, Sept. 26, with face painting from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and a photobooth from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - The Logan location is owned and operated by Savannah and Zak Niemann.

The details: - The new shop is 1,750 square feet. - The store will be open Sunday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Hours are Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. - The shop will offer 48 rotating flavors. - The Logan store will also provide catering services, pickup and delivery. - Savannah and Zak Niemann grew up in Mendon, Utah, and have lived and worked in Cache Valley. - The couple has been married 12 years and has three children. - Both built careers as real estate agents. - Zak Niemann specializes in new construction and has a business degree from Utah State University’s Huntsman School of Business. - The couple said they were introduced to Handel’s by Savannah’s brother and were drawn to the brand’s quality and flavors.

Between the lines: - The Niemanns are framing the shop as a neighborhood gathering place, not just a retail opening. - Their local ties could help the brand build loyalty quickly in a community that already knows the owners. - Community involvement is central to the store’s pitch, with Savannah serving on the North Park Elementary school community council and Zak participating in Downtown Alliance meetings. - Both owners are members of the Cache Association of Realtors. - Handel’s has built its brand on small-batch ice cream made by hand at each location, which helps explain the emphasis on quality and experience.

What's next: - Logan customers can visit the new shop at the Logan store page. - Customers can also follow @handelslogan on Instagram and TikTok for updates. - Handel’s said it has more than 175 locations across 20 states and is still expanding. - Franchise information is available at Handel’s franchise page.

The bottom line: - Handel’s is using a local-owner model, a high-traffic downtown location and a major giveaway to introduce its brand to Logan.