Handel's Homemade Ice cream — Restaurant in Bend

A former Nike executive decides to build an Ohio ice cream franchise in a Walmart parking lot.

The review could end there. You get the idea. But let's dive in.

They've managed to merge the atmosphere of a DMV and a sterile veterinary clinic into an overly large storefront with no chairs and no tables. You are not encouraged to hang around; this is transactional ice cream. Get in line, pick a flavor from the computer monitor, get out. You could always stand around outside and enjoy the atmosphere of that Walmart parking lot, I guess.

The ice cream is not good and even dips a toe into terrible (my friend ordered a dairy free chocolate ice cream which was objectively awful with the flavor of floor cleaner and the texture of rubber playdoh, but we'll let it pass because who goes to an ice cream shop to order dairy free ice cream anyway). Maybe we say "oh hey, they just opened, they're still getting the hang of making ice cream." Except that's the point of these franchise shops with standardized industrial mixes: it should be idiot-proof, mediocre ice cream.

The ice cream is not good, the whole scene is repulsive, and yet Tim Joyce is going to make a fortune because he positioned this frozen confection feeding trough next to the cart return of Bend's only Walmart. America.

Why is this town eternally doomed with...

If you're in Bend and looking for a sweet treat that hits the spot every time, look no further than Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. From the moment you step inside, the aroma of freshly made waffle cones and the cheerful hum of happy customers tells you you’ve made the right choice. This place is more than just an ice cream shop—it’s a nostalgic experience wrapped in creamy, handcrafted goodness.

Handel’s boasts an impressive variety of flavors, and every scoop is packed with richness and real ingredients. You can taste the difference immediately—this isn’t your average chain-store ice cream. Whether you're craving the indulgence of Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie or the fruity burst of Blueberry Cobbler, each flavor is churned fresh on-site and served with generous portions. Even their classic vanilla and chocolate are elevated to new heights.

The staff is always friendly, patient, and willing to let you sample a few before committing (which is a lifesaver given the endless mouthwatering options). The outdoor seating makes it a perfect stop on a sunny Bend afternoon, and kids absolutely love the fun atmosphere.

Handel’s is a local gem and a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. One visit and you'll understand why it has such a...

Great ice cream! However, this place really missed an opportunity to create a space where people can gather or "hang out". The space feels like a warehouse and the set up seems to encourage people to LEAVE as soon as they are finished paying! The signage and line-markers seem to usher people in and out and discourage anyone from lingering inside. Even the bathrooms discourage people from attempting to use them, with big signs that say you must ask for a key to use them - which can be very impractical if the staff is busy serving customers! Even though Handles does not provide much seating indoors, this could have been remedied by providing more places to sit and hang out OUTDOORS, since this is an establishment that serves a product that can be more popular when the weather is warm outside and it's pleasant to sit outside. There is only one table and one bench that are uncomfortably close to one another so that if different groups wanted to gather at the same time, they are still in each other's "bubble" and cannot conversate without being overheard or intrusive to others. This was an exciting new addition to Bend but it's turned out to be a huge disappointment because it's not a place I can hang out at with my...