Self-serve fro-yo concept 16 Handles adding new Hudson County shop

Kimberly Redmond//February 2, 2023

16 Handles, a New York City-based self-serve frozen yogurt concept, is opening a new location in New Jersey as part of its ongoing expansion effort.

In a Feb. 1 press release, the chain said it signed an agreement with Tamara Hamilton to franchise a shop in Jersey City that will open this spring.

16 Handles also has deals with franchisees to open locations in Boston, Mass., and Naples and Englewood, Fla., and expects to announce further expansion across the East Coast and Texas in coming months, according to the press release.

16 Handles, a New York City-based self-serve frozen yogurt concept, is opening a shop in Jersey City in spring 2023. — “I wanted to open a place that people can come in to feel good and leave happy,” said Tamara Hamilton, owner of the new 16 Handles franchise that will open in Jersey City in spring 2023. – 16 HANDLES

Hamilton, a New York City resident and longtime 16 Handles customer, said, “Previously working in the finance and construction industry, the pandemic made me realize I wanted to start a new career, be my own boss and open a business in Jersey City.”

“I wanted to open a place that people can come in to feel good and leave happy. There are so many local families here and 16 Handles has the most welcoming atmosphere to stay and make memories while having a delicious treat,” she said.

Founded 15 years ago in Manhattan’s East Village, the brand offers a rotating menu of artisan frozen yogurt, ice cream, vegan soft serve and other treats — plus an endless toppings bar. It has since grown to more than 30 shops in the metropolitan area, including locations in Paramus, Teterboro, Livingston, Hoboken, Elizabeth, Warren and Piscataway.

After 16 Handles was acquired in August 2022 for an undisclosed sum by its largest franchisee, Neil Hershman, and YouTube personality Danny Duncan, plans were unveiled to expand the business outside of the tri-state area through franchising.

“16 Handles offers something for everyone, and our new operator-first approach to franchising and turn-key modular store design is proving to be successful,” said Hershman. “We are excited to expand across the East Coast, and our corporate team is already hard at work helping to plan stores and train new franchise partners.”

In October 2022, the company announced a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Cliff Omoruyi, a start basketball player at Rutgers University.

As part of the agreement, 16 Handles made a $2,000 donation to the Salvation Army, which is an organization that Omoruyi volunteers with as a counselor in the “Books & Basketball” program. Additionally, Omuruyi will promote the brand on social media and developed his own signature sundae (strawberry ice cream, cookies and cream frozen yogurt and coconut macaroon brownie bites).