Frozen dessert brand 16 Handles has appointed Fred Frey as its Vice President of Franchise Development, bringing on board a seasoned franchise expansion leader with a strong background in finance and business growth.
Frey joins 16 Handles after serving as Director of Franchise Development at Shipley Do-Nuts, where he played a central role in the company’s largest expansion to date, securing 117 franchise agreements in 2024 alone.
Previously, he led development efforts at HTeaO, an iced tea brand, driving its expansion into 12 states and adding more than 300 franchise agreements in just over two years. His experience in franchise growth is underpinned by a decade-long career in banking and finance at Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch.
“I’m thrilled to be joining 16 Handles at such a pivotal time in its expansion,” said Frey. “The brand’s modern store design, high-quality product lineup, and strong franchisee support system create an incredible opportunity for growth, and I look forward to working with the team to bring 16 Handles to new communities nationwide.”
The hire follows a year of significant growth for the New York-based brand. 16 Handles has recently expanded into new markets, including Arizona, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, and New York, signing agreements with new franchisees.
“Fred’s track record in franchise development and finance makes him the perfect fit to lead 16 Handles into its next phase of growth,” said Neil Hershman, CEO of 16 Handles.
“His experience in driving expansion and supporting franchisees aligns with our mission to make 16 Handles a go-to destination in communities across the country. We’re excited to have him on board as we continue to innovate and grow.”
16 Handles distinguishes itself with a modern store aesthetic, an extensive lineup of exclusive frozen dessert offerings, and an emphasis on customer experience. The menu features 16 different soft serve flavors, more than 50 toppings and sauces, as well as a range of frozen novelties including cakes, cookie dough, and take-home pints.
The brand continues to push the boundaries of flavor innovation with limited-edition releases such as French Fry, Butter Beer, Squid Ink, Dune Spice, and Keto Chocolate Brownie, alongside fan favorites like Classic Vanilla, Original Tart, and Made with Nutella.
Find out more at: https://16handles.com/