O'Charley's Closes All 47 Corporate Locations After 55 Years
O'Charley's shuttered all corporate restaurants nationwide on September 9, 2026, ending its 55-year legacy as a casual-dining regional powerhouse.
Sep 11, 2026
O'Charley's shuttered all corporate restaurants nationwide on September 9, 2026, ending its 55-year legacy as a casual-dining regional powerhouse.
Sep 11, 2026
Authentic Restaurant Brands lands $325M investment from Trimontium to fuel disciplined regional expansion across five established restaurant concepts.
Sep 11, 2026
Walmart expands restaurant delivery beyond Subway and Dunkin', taking on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub with Papa Johns nationwide rollout.
Sep 11, 2026
California shifts to public enforcement strategy against Dickey's for deceptive franchise disclosures, signaling stricter state-level franchise oversight.
Sep 10, 2026
Paul Brown temporarily steps away from Inspire Brands as Scott Murphy assumes interim CEO role during confidential IPO filing process targeting late 2026.
Sep 10, 2026
Learn how to reduce food waste in restaurants through smarter purchasing, storage, preparation, and service strategies that cut costs.
Sep 9, 2026
Prepare your restaurant for NFL season with smart menu planning, staffing, marketing, technology, and atmosphere strategies that boost season-long revenue.
Sep 9, 2026
Swig signs franchise agreement for 11 South Denver locations, marking Colorado entry and validating its national expansion strategy.
Sep 8, 2026
Complete guide helping restaurant owners choose essential kitchen equipment - covering cooking, refrigeration, prep, sanitation, ventilation, safety, and long-term maintenance planning.
Sep 7, 2026
QR code menus let restaurants replace paper menus digitally, enabling instant updates, contactless browsing, ordering, and payment through simple smartphone scanning.
Sep 7, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Learn how Jennifer Schuler and Hillary Frei are driving growth and innovation at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a community-oriented ice cream shop with an 80-year legacy.

At Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Jennifer Schuler and Hillary Frei face the unique challenge of expanding a brand with an 80-year legacy. While the ice cream chain is deeply rooted in tradition, the duo understands the importance of innovation to stay relevant in a competitive market. By embracing the heritage of the brand and infusing it with modern strategies, they are striking a balance between honoring the past and driving future growth. This approach resonates with loyal customers while attracting new ones who appreciate a blend of nostalgia and creativity.

One of the key pillars of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is its strong community-oriented approach. Schuler and Frei recognize the significance of going beyond just selling ice cream to building lasting connections with customers. By curating events, partnering with local organizations, and engaging in philanthropic activities, they are creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the delicious treats offered at the walk-up windows. This community-focused mindset not only enhances brand loyalty but also attracts new patrons who value businesses with a strong social conscience.

In a digital age, marketing plays a crucial role in the success of any business. Schuler and Frei are leveraging innovative marketing techniques to elevate the Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream brand. From engaging social media campaigns to interactive website experiences, they are creating a strong online presence that resonates with a tech-savvy audience. By focusing on storytelling and showcasing the brand's history, values, and commitment to quality, they are not just selling ice cream but crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with consumers on a deeper level.
Constant innovation in product offerings is essential to keep customers excited and coming back for more. Schuler and Frei are spearheading product innovation at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream by introducing fresh flavors, seasonal specials, and unique combinations that cater to diverse tastes. By listening to customer feedback, monitoring industry trends, and experimenting with new recipes, they are ensuring that the menu stays dynamic and appealing. This commitment to continuous improvement and creativity sets Handel’s apart in a crowded market and positions it as a destination for flavor enthusiasts seeking something new and delicious.