New York-based frozen yogurt chain 16 Handles is heading to the Valley, with three shops planned across metro Phoenix. Its first Arizona outpost is slated for south Chandler in spring 2026, followed by new locations in Mesa and Scottsdale. The openings are part of a broader franchise push that has the chain building dozens more stores nationwide.
Where 16 Handles Is Landing
Local reporting says the chain will debut three stores across the Phoenix metro in 2026. As reported by KTAR, the rollout includes a Chandler location and additional shops planned for Mesa and Scottsdale this summer, bringing another froyo option to a market that is already pretty sweet on dessert concepts.
Chandler Site And Permits
The City of Chandler's economic development roundup lists a 16 Handles entry at 4040 S. Arizona Ave., and permit records show a 1,554-square-foot build-out has been approved for the site. Local reporting says the permit was filed by Tom Eubanks Gilbert Softserve LLC. Details appear on the City of Chandler blog and in WhatNow, which both flag the Chandler shop as the brand's Arizona beachhead.
What To Expect On The Menu
True to its name, 16 Handles centers its shops on 16 rotating soft-serve flavors and a large toppings bar, with the company advertising more than 50 toppings and sauces. The chain also sells ice cream, milkshakes, frozen novelties and edible cookie dough, and it frequently experiments with limited-edition flavors. Industry coverage in Dairy Foods and QSR Magazine describes a menu built for Instagram as much as for a sugar fix.
Franchise Push And Local Impact
The Valley openings are part of a nationwide expansion: in a January press release, 16 Handles said it signed 25 franchise deals across seven states in 2025 and now has 32 stores under development. The company said the growth was driven by rising average unit volumes and lower build-out costs, and quoted Fred Frey, its vice president of franchise development, saying franchisees are seeing "exceptional early performance." The company announcement is available via PR Newswire.
When To Expect An Opening
Permit filings and local coverage put the Chandler shop on track for spring 2026, while Mesa and Scottsdale are expected later in the summer. The company has not published firm grand-opening dates yet, so frozen yogurt fans will have to keep the spoons on standby for now.
