Crowd-Drawing Scoop Shop Expands in North County

A popular scoop shop, founded in the Midwest in 1945, is now in the mix at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is part of the long-established shopping center’s influx of new food options, anchored by The Sky Deck project opening later this year.

This is the third Handel’s outpost to open in San Diego County and the 50th overall for the Ohio-based company, which makes its ice cream fresh at each location. The new store will offer a rotating menu pulled from 175 different flavors, with increased vegan options.

The 500-square-foot space, decorated with a custom Del Mar-themed mural, has multiple walk-up windows to speed up service. It’s now open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. but will have extended hours in the summer season.

Handel’s is the second of a trio of fresh additions to the mall, joining the recently-opened Asian tea shop Happy Lemon. Next up is Nordic Hygge Café and Bakery, a debut Danish café that will offer baked goods, smoothies, coffee, and sandwiches.