Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream joins other businesses opening in the 5th Street Public Market expansion. They are having a grand opening this weekend.
Owner Tim Joyce is originally from Youngstown, Ohio where Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream was founded 75 years ago. So when Joyce decided to start a business after his time with Nike, he was very familiar with the product.
“I decided to get into the ice cream business late in life,” said Joyce. “I meet many of my customers that say their first job was in the ice cream business. My last job’s in the ice cream business.”
According to Joyce, the store opening during a pandemic has meant some adjustments, but most things are on track.
“It sure impacts the potential, you know, start of the business,” Joyce said.
One thing he doesn’t have to change is how he delivers his product. None of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream stores in Oregon have seating.
“At the end of the day,” Joyce said. “People come in. They don’t sit and eat. They take it out. So, I’ve really been benefiting from that perspective.”
Handel’s offers 48 flavors, including 2 vegan options and seasonal varieties. Grand opening festivities are happening all weekend. There will be a raffle, giveaways and a Valentine’s special. More details here.
Cafe Yumm has also opened a new location right next door. This marks a sort of homecoming for the company. The first store opened in the basement level of 5th Street Public Market in 1997.
“We are delighted to return to the 5th Street Market where our story began back in 1997,” said Mark Beauchamp, president and co-founder. “It feels wonderful to be part of this new vision for downtown, to invest in the future of our city, and to have something to celebrate.”
The Oregon-born business now operates 24 restaurants in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
“Our decision to open a new restaurant now, during a pandemic and with so much economic uncertainty, was in part to offer some hope,” Beauchamp said.
