16 Handles Opened First Virginia Shop
The frozen dessert chain launched its debut Virginia location in Newport News this September.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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In September 2026, 16 Handles opened its first Virginia franchise at the Jefferson Commons shopping center in Newport News. The shop, located at 12551 Jefferson Ave., offers a rotating selection of frozen desserts with a wide variety of mix-ins.
Why it matters
The opening marks a local father-son business venture, bringing a chain founded in New York to the Hampton Roads area. The owners decided to pursue the franchise after completing training earlier in 2026.
The shop offers 16 rotating flavors of frozen yogurt, soft-serve, and sorbets, alongside more than 50 different toppings and sauces. This location is part of a national network of 67 16 Handles franchises.
The players
16 Handles
This frozen dessert company was founded in 2008 and specializes in self-serve yogurt, ice cream, and sorbet shops.
The details
The Newport News store provides various vegan and dairy-free options to accommodate different dietary preferences. It operates daily from noon to 9 p.m. on weekdays and extends closing time to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Timeline
16 Handles was founded in New York in 2008.
The franchise owners completed training in Houston earlier in 2026.
The Newport News shop opened in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This opening reflects the continued expansion of self-serve dessert franchises into suburban shopping corridors across the country. It signals 16 Handles effort to increase its market share in the Mid-Atlantic region through localized ownership models.
Local shoppers can now visit the Jefferson Commons location daily for customizable dessert options. The business provides a new retail choice for families looking for varied dietary options like vegan or dairy-free treats.
The takeaway
The store offers a variety of rotating seasonal flavors that provide variety for frequent visitors. Residents can visit the shop during its set daily hours to access both traditional and dairy-free dessert options.
Further reading
For more on new businesses arriving in the area, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Press.
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