Handel’s Ice Cream opens new Lee’s Summit shop as Missouri expansion continues

Handel’s Ice Cream is opening a new location in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, on Aug. 20, with free ice cream for a year for the first 100 guests in line. The shop is the brand’s third in the Kansas City metro area in the past year as Handel’s keeps expanding across the state.

Why it matters: - Handel’s Ice Cream is deepening its Missouri presence with a new shop in Lee’s Summit. - The opening adds to the brand’s push in the Kansas City metro, where Handel’s has opened three locations in the past year. - The grand opening giveaway is designed to drive a big first-day crowd and build local awareness.

What happened: - Handel’s Ice Cream opened a new shop at 410 Northwest Chipman Road in Lee’s Summit. - The location will celebrate its official grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 20. - The first 100 guests in line who are 18 or older will receive free ice cream for a year. - Todd and Traci Blackinton own and operate the Lee’s Summit shop. - The Lee’s Summit store is the couple’s second location, following their Belton shop.

The details: - The Lee’s Summit shop offers 48 rotating flavors. - Customers can order pickup and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Postmates. - The location also offers catering services. - Store hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Store hours are Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. - Handel’s says every batch is made fresh in-store. - The company has made ice cream since 1945. - Handel’s says it serves 48 flavors every day, plus more than 140 seasonal flavors.

Between the lines: - The Blackintons are leaning on local demand in the Kansas City metro after seeing strong response from their Belton location. - The Lee’s Summit opening extends a regional growth strategy that appears focused on building around existing customer interest. - The brand is using its long history and handmade positioning to stand out in a crowded dessert market.

What’s next: - Handel’s says more Missouri growth is coming. - The company now has more than 175 locations across 20 states and is still expanding. - More information is available in the company’s store page. - Handel’s franchise information is available at www.handelsicecream.com/franchise.