A new ice cream option is opening in southwest Bakersfield, as Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream debuts a second location aimed at giving customers more space to sit and enjoy their treats.
The new Handel’s location is near Old River Road and Panama Lane. It adds to the shop’s existing site at Stockdale and Callaway.
Owners Deanna and Clint Lewis said the decision to expand was driven by demand at the Stockdale location, along with a frequent request from customers.
“We’ve had an overwhelming success and reception of love right at our Stockdale location, but the biggest complaint was always seating,” Lewis said. “So I said, OK, we gotta find a space where people can come with their families and sit down.”
Lewis said the new site offers a patio and an indoor-outdoor setup.
Handel’s new location on Panama Ln and Old River Rd PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
“This opportunity was open to us. Beautiful patio area, and then we were still able to get that indoor outdoor concept, so we were just excited for the opportunity,” she said.
Deana Lewis also pointed to the surrounding neighborhood and nearby schools as part of the appeal.
“Independence is right up the street,” she said. “It’s family business, so we are just excited to be on this side.”
In addition to its traditional flavors, Handel’s now offers non-dairy options.
“We have two non-dairy flavors,” says Clint. “We have coffee truffle, which is a coffee ice cream with a chocolate truffle, and we also have peanut butter. So, both of those are made with oat milk, so they are non-dairy and they are delicious.”
Handel’s new location on Panama Ln and Old River Rd
PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Among the flavors highlighted at the shop are mint chocolate chip, taro, cotton candy and the “blue monster,” which Clint Lewis described as a popular pick for kids.
“The blue monster, this is a kid favorite, you have to have this because it will turn your mouth blue, only temporarily, but it will turn your mouth blue,” she said.
Lewis said the “blue monster” includes two kinds of cookies.
“We have two types of cookies in this: we have Oreo cookies, and then we also have chocolate chip chips of white cookies in it,” she said.
The new Handel’s location is scheduled to open for its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today!