Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company vs Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Franchise Comparison

In the Summer of 1990, Blake Buchanan opened the first Bahama Buck's. He started with one ice shaver and the hope of a college job that didn't involve mowing grass or flipping burgers. Constructing the original store by hand, he enlisted volunteer help from three generations of his family, staffed it with friends and college students and opened the doors. The tropical sensation caught on and with the help of his now partner, Eric Lee, and his wife, Kippi Buchanan, that summer job turned into a full time vocation. Blake has worked to keep the spirit of the original Bahama Buck's alive, making sure that each franchise is operated with the same enthusiasm of the first Buck's. His team strives to ensure that each flavor becomes a favorite and each visit is a great time - every time.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Bahama Buck’s franchised business ranges from $303,700 to $957,838. This includes $144,000 to $223,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate. If you elect to enter into a Multi-Store Amendment, you will pay the franchisor a development fee equal to 50% of the initial franchise fee for each additional Bahama Buck’s Store to be opened upon signing the Multi-Store Amendment (excluding your first store). This fee is not refundable, but is credited fully against the initial franchise fee for each store when the franchise agreement is executed for that store (except the first store).

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt is a popular ice cream company franchise founded by Alice Handel in 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio. As of 2020, the company was operating 50 corporate and franchise stores in nine states. Today, it is owned by Leonard Fisher and maintains a corporate headquarters in Canfield, Ohio.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Handel’s Franchise ranges from $234,500 to $714,500. This includes between $170,000 and $230,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
The total investment necessary to operate multiple Parlors under a form of area development agreement depends on the number of franchises the franchisor grants you the right to open. The total investment necessary to enter into a development agreement for the right to develop three Parlors is $334,500 to $814,500, which includes an initial development fee of $150,000 that is paid to the franchisor, and the total investment to open and commence operations of your initial Parlor. Under the area development agreement, the Development Fee is equal to $50,000 for each Parlor that the franchisor will grant you the right to open and operate under the Development Agreement.

#385 in Franchise 500 for 2020.