Franchise owners John Gowdy and Clayton Leonard during Handel’s training. Photo | John Gowdy

Jan. 10. By TL Bernthal. The opening date for the new Handel’s homemade ice cream franchise in Cornelius should be in mid-February, having been delayed by almost two months because of construction setbacks.

Pam Alatalo, the operations manager, says that once the plumbing and electrical inspections are complete, the floor can installed—all part of the process to get a certificate of occupancy that will allow the store to open at 20545 Torrence Chapel Road in the Shops at The Fresh Market.

The original opening date for the 1,500-square-foot parlor was delayed to Dec. 22, and now is delayed again, but hopefully only for a few weeks. John Gowdy, one of the three franchise owners, says the contractors are still on target for a January completion with the opening in mid- February.

Handel’s has 48 flavors, including vegan options

Once there is an opening date, Alatalo says she can start hiring scoopers/cashiers, shift leaders and ice cream makers. She expects to hire 20-25 people part-time and has about a dozen people already interested. Scoopers must be at least 16 years old and workers must be 18 years old for the other positions.

Why Cornelius?

Gowdy says they explored multiple locations around Charlotte, and there were many things that they considered.

“We were excited by Cornelius due to its proximity to I-77, Lake Norman and to Davidson College,” Gowdy says.

“Cornelius is a vibrant, growing, family-based community. It is a goal of ours to be involved as much as possible in supporting local schools, organizations and events.

“We also wanted to find a location surrounded by strong shops and restaurants where families, friends and neighbors could spend quality time together and enjoy delicious ice cream in the process,” Gowdy says.

Flavors and franchise requirements

Pam Alatalo

The local ice cream parlor will have 48 flavors at all times, as required, including 20 that are always offered such as butter pecan, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, Alatalo says. Seasonal recipes will be offered, of course.

Alatalo says the local parlor will have more than the required one choice of sugar-free, and at least one or more dairy-free and vegan choices. The vegan choices are limited right now, but Handel’s is developing more, she says.

The location is in a shopping center with a yoga studio and a fitness center, “so I’m assuming we’ll have more healthy choices,” she says.