16 Handles is a self-serve frozen yogurt retail store offering a variety of toppings and flavors. The franchise uses proprietary recipes and trade dress to deliver a consistent customer experience.

Key Insights
- 16 Handles started with a clear vision to establish new benchmarks of excellence within their field, combining industry expertise with customer-focused innovation to create sustainable competitive advantages that benefit both franchisees and the communities they serve.
- Kitchen workflow systems balance operational speed with rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent taste, presentation, and food safety standards, utilizing efficient preparation methods and equipment that minimize wait times while maximizing customer satisfaction and food quality.
- Regulatory developments create opportunities for professional service providers who maintain compliance standards and quality certifications, establishing competitive advantages for businesses that invest in proper training, procedures, and documentation to meet industry requirements.

Franchise Fee and Costs to Open
Exploring the financial picture of 16 Handles gives insight into both the upfront commitment and the potential revenue opportunity. According to FDD Item 7, opening this franchise typically involves an investment in the range of $249,500 - $656,500, along with a franchise fee of $30,000 - $30,000.
Financial Performance and Revenue
Yearly gross sales of $749,749 and estimated earnings of $89,970 - $112,463 show the potential financial performance of this franchise. These figures are crucial for prospective franchisees as they help to project revenue and profitability. They offer insight into the business's ability to generate income and can be used to compare its performance against other investment opportunities. The Franchise Payback Period of 5.0-7.0 provides an estimation of the time it might take for an owner to recover their initial investment. This metric is a key consideration for anyone evaluating the financial viability of a franchise, as it relates directly to the speed at which the business can become profitable. A shorter payback period can indicate a faster return on capital, which is a significant factor in making an informed decision about a franchise investment.
Training and Resources
16 Handles provides comprehensive initial training for new franchisees. This program offers hands-on learning and covers operational procedures. The extensive training lasts for four weeks and takes place at 16 Handles' corporate headquarters. Franchisees also receive access to ongoing resources and support to assist with their venture.
Legal Considerations
Legal considerations for a 16 Handles franchisee are defined by the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the Franchise Agreement. This franchise does not disclose lawsuits or bankruptcy information in its FDD, but prospective franchisees should still review all terms thoroughly. Consultation with a qualified attorney is essential before making commitments.
Challenges and Risks
Operating a 16 Handles-style franchise requires navigating a dynamic market. Local competition from other dessert establishments and cafes demands continuous innovation in offerings and customer engagement. The operational complexity of managing a self-serve model, including inventory control and maintaining hygiene standards, is a significant consideration. Furthermore, reliance on specific suppliers for premium ingredients and frozen yogurt bases presents challenges related to availability and cost fluctuations.
Franchise Datasheet
FAQs
What is the minimum cash required to open a 16 Handles franchise?
How can I estimate the profitability and return on investment (ROI) of a 16 Handles franchise?
What is the franchisee fee for a 16 Handles franchise?
How to open a 16 Handles franchise?
How many locations does 16 Handles have?
Get insider access to franchise insights
Subscribe to receive expert tips, franchise rankings, and exclusive data straight to your inbox, trusted by thousands of aspiring business owners and investors.
Franchise resources & insights
Explore expert guides, data-driven articles, and tools to help you make smarter franchise decisions, whether you're just starting out or ready to invest.


