Our Story


 

 

 
 

We’re NYC’s #1 Soft Serve & Dessert Brand!
Let The Good Times Swirl™!



About 16 Handles


Let the good times swirl! Our mission is to create moments of happiness by sharing the world’s best-tasting desserts and snacks. Whether you’re craving dairy or keeping it vegan, looking for brownie bites or steering clear of gluten, we’ve got you covered. 16 Handles is dessert for the people—all the people. Flaunt your flavor, express yourself, and savor dessert your way. We think that makes life worth celebrating.


16 Handles was founded in 2008 as New York City's first self-serve frozen dessert shop. Founder Solomon Choi opened the East Village location after moving to New York with the goal of creating an inclusive, experience-focused brand that people love. In 2022, 16 Handles was acquired by the brand's largest franchisee, Neil Hershman, who plans to lead a national and international expansion of the brand.


With dedicated local franchise partners, 16 Handles has continued to expand to become a neighborhood favorite in dozens of towns across the East Coast. We believe in being active participants in our communities, both globally and locally, alongside partners like Trees for the Future and local organizations in the towns we serve. Find a 16 Handles location near you and learn more about our initiatives.


With 16 rotating flavors and and endless toppings bar at every shop, 16 Handles believes that quality and deliciousness go hand in hand. Our library of Artisan flavors includes better-for-you frozen yogurt, all-natural ice cream, and the best vegan options on the market—like oatmilk soft serve and real fruit sorbets.


Come experience what makes 16 Handles different, and celebrate the sweetest side of life, in our shops or online for pickup or local delivery.



About Neil Hershman, Chief Executive Officer


Neil Hershman first joined 16 Handles as a franchisee at the Murray Hill, Manhattan location. He has since acquired and built a New York City dessert empire, operating over a dozen retail locations. In August 2022, Neil acquired 16 Handles from its original founder, Solomon Choi, with plans to lead a national and international growth of the iconic Northeast brand.


Neil is an active owner and CEO and leads all strategic decision making for 16 Handles. In order to test ideas and ensure customer experience, you can oftentimes find Neil spending his weekend nights working behind the counter at one of his Manhattan 16 Handles shops.


Neil graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in Finance and Astrophysics and spent his early professional career at a NYC- based asset manager specializing in structured credit, where he primarily focused on company profitability and forecast, illiquid investment valuations, and strategic M&A activity.


Outside of the office, Neil is a commercial-rated pilot, alpine mountain climber, and ultra-triathlete, with feats such as summiting Mt. Everest and winning a 703- mile-long triathlon.


About Danny Duncan, Chief Creative Officer


Danny Duncan is a comedic YouTuber with an amassed viewership of over 1.5 billion views, and he has successfully completed 3 US tours selling at at 95% capacity. Danny exceeded $50 million in gross retail merchandise sales between 2020 and 2021, with his products available in over 1,500 retail stores. Over 70% of Danny’s audience ranges between age 18 and 34.


Danny was so impressed with the product quality and experience during his first visit as a customer of 16 Handles in Tribeca, Manhattan that he knew he wanted to be a part of the brand’s vision to grow nationally.Danny joins 16 Handles as Co-Owner and Chief Creative Officer and has a principal role in overall brand vision and social strategy.


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