Dessert Fan Neil Hershman Builds 16 Handles Frozen Yogurt Empire from One Shop

Neil Hershman, a self-proclaimed dessert lover, left his asset-management job at age 23 because he disliked sitting in front of a computer all day. He bought a 16 Handles frozen-yogurt shop, then added two more.

Now in his early 30s, Hershman serves as chief executive officer of 16 Handles. He oversees about 40 franchised locations and six company-owned ones, Reuters reported.

16 Handles opened as New York City's first self-serve frozen-yogurt shop in 2008 under founder Solomon Choi. Hershman acquired the brand in 2022.

Hershman credits his success to a passion for hands-on work and learning by doing. As a new owner, he handled every task, from cashier duties to cleaning bathrooms.

"The biggest thing that's made me successful is I like doing things, not just sitting around and talking," Hershman told Reuters.

"You only get to know a business by absorbing it and doing it."

To grow his operations, Hershman engages local communities like sports teams and school groups. He also welcomes publicity from unusual flavors, even flops.

"French fry frozen yogurt" failed, he said, but added, "It's free marketing to have somebody come in, try a flavor, spit it out and then go home and tell their family and their friends about what they tried at 16 Handles."

Every 16 Handles shop offers 16 flavors plus various toppings. The company website states, "Our library of Artisan flavors includes better-for-you frozen yogurt, all-natural ice cream and the best vegan options on the market — like oatmilk soft serve and real fruit sorbets."

Other unique offerings include Mike's Hot Honey frozen yogurt with a kick of heat, Butter Beer, Tiger Blood and Dune Spice. Shops also sell high-protein, gluten-free and low-fat yogurts.

Startup costs for franchises can range from $10,000 to more than $5 million, depending on sector, equipment and real estate, according to Reuters.

Hershman bought his first New York City store with $160,000 from his savings and a $300,000 U.S. Small Business Administration loan. He quickly streamlined operations.

"Very quickly, I doubled the profitability of the store, and our reviews were much better," he told Reuters. "The revenue went up. We got more customers."

Stores operate in Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina and Texas. The global frozen yogurt market reached $1.93 billion in 2025 and could hit $2.65 billion by 2034, Fortune Business Insights reported.

Hershman plans national and international growth for the iconic Northeast brand, according to the 16 Handles website.