handle with care

National ice cream shop scooping more than 140 flavors opens in Garden Oaks

Handel's has opened on Ella Blvd.

Photo courtesy of Handel's

Garden Oaks/Oak Forest has a fresh new ice cream option that’s opened just in time for the peak of Houston’s summer heat. Handel’s Ice Cream has opened its fourth Houston-area location in the bustling neighborhood.

Located at 3425 Ella Blvd., the new Handel’s offers both walk-up and drive-through service. It joins the brand’s existing Houston-area stores in Spring and Cinco Ranch. Local franchisees Tim and Kesha Chatman bring experience from the fashion and IT industries to their new endeavor.

"We were regular customers, always eager to try new flavors and menu items," said Kesha Chatman in a statement. "The idea of opening our own Handel's franchise just kept making more and more sense over time. We're incredibly excited to bring this beloved brand to our community."

Founded in Ohio in 1945, Handel’s is known for serving more than 48 flavors daily, including Peach, Black Cherry, Coffee Chocolate Chip, Graham Central Station, Chocolate Ooohh Dough, and Salty Caramel Truffle. Overall, the shop offers a roster of more than 140 flavors that vary throughout the year.

In addition to scoops, the shop serves banana splits, sundaes, milkshakes, and “hurricanes” — Handel’s term for vanilla ice cream mixed with candies such as Heath Bar, M&Ms, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Handel’s comes to Texas via Ohio. Founded in 1945 by Alice Handel, it maintains her methods and recipes. That means making ice cream fresh daily — using a base supplied by the home office — and including fresh ingredients. Overall, the company has more than 100 locations across 11 states, including a significant presence in the Dallas area.

Handel’s enters a busy part of Houston that’s flush with restaurants such as The Union Kitchen, Gatlin’s BBQ, Saigon Hustle, and recently-opened French restaurant BeauSoleil.

"We live here, eat here, and shop here daily," added Tim Chatman. "There's such a great mix of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, attractions, all nestled in with single-family homes. We can’t wait to welcome our neighbors and become a go-to spot for ice cream lovers across Houston."

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spectator sport

Family-friendly Houston sports bar scores with new Katy location

Courtesy of Spectators Bar & Grill

Spectators is now open near Katy Mills.

A growing local sports bar chain has just opened its fourth location. Spectators Bar & Grill has opened its newest location in Katy.

Located near Katy Mills Mall at 25140 Kingsland Blvd., Spectators is a family-friendly sports bar that’s open daily for lunch, dinner, and late night dining. The 6,500-square-foot restaurant has 45 TVs to ensure fans can watch all of the day’s action. It joins Spectators’ thee existing locations in Sugar Land and Richmond.

In addition, private rooms offer places for birthday parties, youth sports team celebrations, and other happy occasions. The patio features a 19-seat bar.

Customers will find a menu of familiar sports bar fare, including shareables, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more. Favorites include the prime beef cheeseburger, hot honey crispy chicken sandwich, six flavors of wings, a Philly cheesesteak, Southwest chicken egg rolls, and more. Pair them with more than 60 house cocktails, including a spicy peach margarita, chocolate peanut butter martini, and a maple bacon Old Fashioned.

Served Saturday and Sunday from 9 am-1 pm, brunch features include the Hangover Burger (topped with bacon, a fried egg, and American cheese); a breakfast platter with two eggs, two silver dollar pancakes, potatoes, and choice of meat; and chicken and waffles. The brunch menu also includes familiar cocktails such as a Bloody Mary and various mimosa flavors.

Kids 12 and under get their own menu with items such as a cheeseburger, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and more.

Weekday happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3-7 pm, with weekend happy hour Saturday and Sunday from 2-6 pm, and reverse happy hour Monday through Friday from 9 pm-midnight.

“Katy has a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to continue growing the Spectators brand,” owner Aneal Mohammud said in a statement. “We want to create a neighborhood destination that offers all the excitement of a great sports bar while still feeling comfortable and welcoming for families. Whether guests are joining us for brunch, dinner, a birthday celebration, or the big game, we want them to feel at home.”

Courtesy of Spectators Bar & Grill

Spectators is now open near Katy Mills.

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