By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Staff Writer
Costa students are consuming scoops by the dozen at the South Bay’s newest ice cream parlor, Handel’s Ice Cream.
On June 7, Redondo Beach resident Randy Hanson and Costa parent Paul Danylik opened Handel’s Ice Cream. Handel’s, established in Ohio in 1945, is known around the United States for its distinctive, smooth and creamy frozen treats.
This is the parlor’s second location west of the Mississippi River, with most of the stores found in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
“Handel’s is extremely popular on the East coast. We’re very confident with our product. We just need to get Handel’s known and respected in the South Bay,” Danylik said.
Handel’s carries 49 standard flavors, ranging from chocolate almond to grape to maple walnut, as well as an abundance of sea sonal flavors such as thin mint, eggnog and pumpkin ripple. The shop also offers low fat yogurts, sherbets, ices, sugar-free and fat-free ice creams, banana splits, sundaes, smoothies, ice cream cakes and pies. Exclusively from Handel’s are Handel Pops, ice cream balls dipped in dark gour met chocolate, and Handel’s Hur ricanes, vanilla ice cream with candy mix-in options.
“Chocolate pecan is the most popular flavor in Ohio. There, people buy it by the quart,” Da nylik said.
According to some students, Handel’s is superior to other ice cream parlors because of its rich flavor and unique texture. Unlike many ice creams, Handel’s ice creams are creamy and lack the artificial flavors in large-scale ice cream company products.
Each ice cream begins with a plain, vanilla or chocolate base and is then distinguished with specific flavors, syrups and add-ins that include chocolate chips or nuts.
“I love Handel’s Ice Cream. It tastes fresh and homemade, unlike many other ice cream parlors, and it has a far better and creamier texture,” freshman Rachel Azafrani said.
Handel’s has an innovative design which aids in the distribution of ice cream.The majority of the building is used for making and storing cold treats, while customers are served through windows around its perimeter.
“I really like Handel’s set up, with ice cream being sold around the building. It is quick and very convenient,” freshman Braden Currey said.
The shop’s owners say that they picked its location because it is located among residential housing. Also nearby are a school, a tutoring business and a karate studio, all of which the owners believe will help Handel’s Ice Cream thrive.
“There are three main industries that haven’t suffered in the recession: tobacco, alcohol and comfort food. And what greater comfort food is there than ice cream?” Danylik said.
This new franchise has provided job opportunities for many Mira Costa students. Currently employed at Handel’s are seniors Amanda Charney, Jack Danylik, Sean Yates and David Curtis and sophomores Ben Kartub, Adam Gerber and Nick Block.
“Since we just started there are a few kinks to work out, but we’re learning fast. People seem to really enjoy the ice cream, and everything has been a success so far,” Yates said.
Handel’s Ice Cream is located at 1882 Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday.
“I love Handel’s Ice Cream. The ice cream is amazing, all of the people are kind and helpful, and we have yet to dissatisfy a customer,” Gerber said.
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