Kahlon Brings More Than Two Decades of Franchising Experience to the Role of Operations VP
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has appointed Deepak Kahlon vice president of operations. Kahlon leverages more than 24 years of franchising experience, including revitalizing concepts such as Baja Fresh and Wetzel’s Pretzels by spearheading digital transformation initiatives and optimizing financial performance. He also has experience at both McDonald’s corporate and franchise operations, elevating operational consistency and strengthening brand standards.
“What immediately attracted me to Handel’s was the brand’s authenticity and its unwavering commitment to quality,” Kahlon said. “Handel’s has built something truly special — an iconic product with a loyal, multi-generational fan base and a heritage that has stood the test of time. That kind of credibility is rare and incredibly powerful.”
After discussing Handel’s future with CEO Jennifer Schuler, Kahlon said it was clear the ice cream brand aligns with his experience in franchising and his passion for building brands rooted in community. “I knew very quickly this was the right fit.”
He looks forward to helping accelerate Handel’s strategic growth while maintaining the brand’s distinctive qualities. “Handel’s has a strong foundation, and there’s tremendous potential to expand into new communities while continuing to support and elevate our franchisees. I’m especially motivated by the chance to strengthen operations, scale responsibly and ensure franchisees have the tools and support they need to succeed. Being part of that growth journey — and seeing franchise owners thrive as the brand reaches new markets — is incredibly energizing and deeply rewarding for me.”
Balancing Innovation with Heritage
Kahlon noted that convenience, digital engagement and premium-quality experiences remain a focus across the restaurant industry, and Handel’s keeps pace with the trends through innovation and a commitment to quality. “By enhancing digital and operational capabilities while staying true to the handcrafted ice cream and heritage that define the brand, Handel’s can meet evolving guest expectations without losing its soul. Quality is timeless, and when it’s paired with thoughtful innovation, it creates sustainable, long-term growth.”
He cited a focus on clarity, consistency and partnership as drivers of growth. “Strong, transparent communication and streamlined systems allow franchisees to operate more efficiently and with greater confidence. Simplifying processes and setting clear expectations helps everyone stay aligned and focused on execution. Equally important is investing in comprehensive training and ongoing support. When franchisees have access to practical resources and timely guidance, they’re better equipped to succeed. Finally, actively listening to franchisee feedback and applying real-world insights strengthens trust, drives continuous improvement and ultimately creates a healthier, more resilient franchise system.”
About Handel’s Ice Cream
Founded in 1945, Handel’s has grown from a single stand to a beloved ice cream franchise with 140 flavors that rotate seasonally in 170-plus locations across 18 states.
