Youngstown Natives Open First Handel's in Tampa
Two Northeast Ohio natives are bringing the homemade ice cream chain to Tampa, Florida, with a planned opening about six weeks away.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Handel's homemade ice cream is opening its first location in Tampa, Florida, led by Youngstown native Greg Rohan and his wife. The couple moved to Florida in 2017 and are training in Northeast Ohio before opening their own shop.
Why it matters
The couple could not find ice cream in Tampa comparable to the Handel's they grew up with, and the shop brings that Youngstown brand to a new Florida market. They plan to involve the shop with local schools, churches and sports teams.
The couple hopes to open the Tampa shop in about six weeks, a timeline that remains a projection rather than a confirmed date. The source does not specify the shop's size, investment amount or staffing levels.
The players
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Handel's is a regional ice cream chain founded in Youngstown, Ohio, known for its homemade ice cream and longtime presence in Northeast Ohio.
Greg Rohan
Greg Rohan is a Youngstown native who, with his wife, is opening the first Handel's location in Tampa, Florida.
The details
Greg Rohan and his wife moved to Florida in 2017 and planned the Tampa location over several years. Before opening their own shop, the couple is training in Northeast Ohio, where the Handel's brand originated.
Timeline
2017: Greg Rohan and his wife move to Florida.
About six weeks after November 15, 2026: Planned opening of the Tampa Handel's shop.
Openings & Closings
The Tampa opening follows a pattern of regional Ohio food brands, such as Handel's, expanding into Sun Belt markets where transplanted residents seek familiar local flavors. The couple's decision reflects demand for homegrown brands among Northeast Ohio transplants in Florida.
Tampa residents who grew up with Handel's now have a local option for the brand's homemade ice cream once the shop opens. Customers can expect the shop to partner with local schools, churches and sports teams, though specific offerings and prices were not provided.
The takeaway
Local transplants who miss regional brands from home can often find them through family-owned shops opening in new markets. Watch for the Tampa Handel's opening date, which the couple expects in about six weeks.
Further reading
Explore more Openings & Closings news in Tampa to see what other businesses are opening and closing in the area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
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