Handel's Ice Cream — Restaurant in Plano

This was my first—and definitely my last—visit to this overpriced and overrated ice cream shop. When my 6-year-old son and I arrived, there was only one other family inside, enjoying their ice cream.

As others have mentioned, the staff seemed young and inexperienced, but even that doesn’t justify their lack of basic training. There were five employees just standing behind the counter, staring blankly at us like deer in headlights. It was honestly a little unsettling. None of them seemed to know how to greet new customers or make us feel welcome. One employee eventually managed a smile and asked if it was our first time there, to which I replied by asking a simple question: "How are things served here—cones, cups, dips, or frozen yogurt from a dispenser?" The single employee responded while the others just kept staring, looking almost baffled, as if I’d asked for something as complex as assembling a car.

Feeling awkward in the silence, I tried to lighten the mood by jokingly asking, “Is this question difficult? Do I seem like I'm asking too much or from another planet?” I just wanted to know if the ice cream came in scoops or from a soft-serve machine.

I finally looked over the cones on display, ordered a two-dip chocolate cone for my son, and a two-dip cup for myself. The portions were small compared to what we’d get for half the price at Braum’s.

When I shared this experience later with my wife, she stopped me halfway through, saying she could guess what was going on. She explained that these teenagers likely grew up on social media—TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram—and seem to lack the social skills and confidence needed to interact with people face-to-face.

After we finished our ice cream, my son needed to use the restroom. That experienced definitely sealed the deal of no return. I've been in truck stop restrooms cleaner smelling and more...

Great ice cream and service, but really needs more seating!

I scheduled a homeschool ice cream meet-up with our small homeschool group at this Handel's location without ever having been inside myself. (My bad) We have had meet-up's at Henry's and Braums, etc. and I just assumed the seating arrangement would be similar at Handel's. It wasn't.

🩷I will start by saying the location was clean, the staff were incredibly polite and helpful, and the ice cream was great. We were grateful for the dairy-free options as well. Everyone loved their ice cream and sorbet. 🍨🩷

That said, there are only two tiny table tops in the VERY spacious shop. The tables look so lonely in a space that has room for at least 4-6 more tables. Both tables were already taken, so our group had to stand around to visit with each other. There are benches outside with minimal shade, but it was over 100 degrees at 1:00 PM in the afternoon, and even with ice cream, that's too hot to be outside for any amount of time.

This would be a great location for the countless local homeschool groups or study groups to meet up for a tasty treat, but for the fact there is almost no seating available. I would suggest they could maybe expand their business if they followed the lead of most other ice cream shops in the area by opening up more seating and becoming a place for small...

Let me just say that I am beyond impressed with this Handel’s location. This was my first time here and when I tell you that the customer service and professionalism was absolutely exceptional, I mean it to the max. It was a breath of fresh air. My sister and I went inside trying to see if we would be able to make it in time as they were about to close (she entered before I did, and let them know it was my birthday). I walk in after, and I’m worried that we’re being annoying customers since they’re closing, but I am greeted with the friendliest of employees, Hannah, who was a ray of freaking sunshine, asking “It’s your birthday?!” And then the entire staff says happy birthday in unison. They were all sweeter than ice cream. I got the raspberry sherbert by the way, which was awesome. I definitely plan on coming back and trying so many more of their flavors (and they have a lot to choose from!) They recommended flavors, they were so courteous and all in all it was a beautiful way to end our night out! Thank you so much for leaving a wonderful impression and making our day. By far one of the best customer service experiences at an establishment!! Even my dad entered afterwards just to use their restroom and was pleasantly surprised at the warmth the staff radiated. A great...