Frozen dessert franchise 16 Handles has tapped franchise development veteran Fred Frey as its Vice President of Franchise Development, signaling the brand’s push for nationwide expansion. With a proven track record in scaling restaurant franchises, Frey brings deep expertise in business growth, finance, and franchise strategy to the New York-based brand.
Frey’s appointment comes on the heels of a banner year for 16 Handles, which has expanded into Arizona, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, and New York, with new franchisees fueling its growth. The brand has recently refined its store design. One of the results of that process was cutting buildout costs by nearly $30,000, according to a statement by 16 Handles. They also put a great deal of time into strengthening their supply chain. This resulted in manufacturing key elements domestically, which improved availability and reduced overall costs.
“I’m thrilled to be joining 16 Handles at such a pivotal time in its expansion,” said Frey. “The brand’s modern store design, high-quality product lineup, and strong franchisee support system create an incredible opportunity for growth, and I look forward to working with the team to bring 16 Handles to new communities nationwide.”
Frey’s leadership is expected to take recent refinement, and the success of the franchise system to accelerate the company’s expansion plans.
A Track Record of Franchise Growth Success
Prior to joining 16 Handles, Frey played a key role in two explosive franchise expansions in recent years. As Director of Franchise Development at Shipley Do-Nuts, according to a recent press release he helped secure a record 117 franchise agreements in 2024 alone. Before that, he was Franchise Development Manager for HTeaO, supporting the brand’s expansion into 12 states and adding over 300 franchise agreements to its pipeline in just two years. His foundation in franchise growth is further strengthened by a decade-long career in banking and finance with Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch.
Recognizing the impact of Frey’s expertise, 16 Handles CEO Neil Hershman expressed confidence in the brand’s future under his guidance.
“Fred’s track record in franchise development and finance makes him the perfect fit to lead 16 Handles into its next phase of growth,” said Hershman. “His experience in driving expansion and supporting franchisees aligns with our mission to make 16 Handles a go-to destination in communities across the country. We’re excited to have him on board as we continue to innovate and grow.”
Innovation and Expansion: The 16 Handles Difference
Founded in 2008 in Manhattan’s East Village, 16 Handles was a pioneer of self-serve frozen yogurt in New York City and has since evolved into a dynamic frozen dessert franchise with over 35 locations. Its menu boasts 16 rotating soft-serve flavors, 50+ toppings, and innovative frozen treats like cakes, cookie dough, and take-home pints. Recent limited-edition flavors such as French Fry, Butter Beer, Squid Ink, Dune Spice, and Keto Chocolate Brownie demonstrate the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of taste and creativity. Now that is some Menu Magic.
With Frey at the helm of franchise development, 16 Handles is positioning itself for national growth, bringing its premium-quality desserts and modern store experience to more communities across the country.
