Why YouTube Star Danny Duncan is Investing in Froyo Chain 16 Handles

Ten years ago, frozen yogurt was everywhere. Almost every city and suburb in the United States had its local shop — or two — that was full of flavors, toppings and customers who couldn’t get enough. But in recent years, the craze cooled off, with cookie chains seemingly taking the spotlight. However, one YouTuber seems to think the frozen dessert can have its moment again. 

In the summer of 2022, Danny Duncan, a comedic content creator with over 7 million subscribers, acquired frozen yogurt chain 16 Handles alongside the brand’s largest franchisee Neil Hershman. But what sparked this business move? 

During a trip to New York City for the first time last summer, Duncan’s friend took him to a 16 Handles shop. He raved about his experience to his millions of followers, which prompted the store’s new owner to reach out. And the rest is history. Within weeks, Duncan signed on to be a minority investor and the brand’s first chief creative officer, Franchise Times reported. 

"It's important for me to invest in a company that has a great product, but also a company that brings people happiness," Duncan said in a press release. "I recognized 16 Handles' success in New York City and knew if it could succeed there, it could succeed anywhere. I'm excited to open my own 16 Handles in my hometown of Englewood, Florida, and to help lead franchise expansion throughout the U.S."

In simpler words, Duncan told Franchise Times that 16 Handles was “the sickest yogurt place [he’s] been in.” 

What Is 16 Handles? 

16 Handles was one of the handful of frozen yogurt chains to rise in popularity following the Great Recession. It was founded by Solomon Choi in 2008 and has since grown to stores across five states. The menu features over a dozen different frozen desserts, 50-plus toppings and sauces, as well as a variety of other frozen items such as cakes, take-home pints and toppings to-go.

Duncan’s partner, Hershman, operates five 16 Handles locations, according to Restaurant Business, including one in New York’s Times Square. 

"16 Handles is a beloved brand in the New York region, and there is so much potential for it to dominate in countless other markets across the country,” he said in a press release. “The soft serve and frozen yogurt market has continued to be an attractive investment for operators due to the high-margin, low-labor business model.”

He added that 16 Handles has created a brand for a broader demographic than just kids. New customers are signing up for partnerships, including Broadway shows like “Dear Evan Hansen” and national food-and-beverage partners Junior's Cheesecake and Oatly. 

How The Team Plans to Grow the Brand

Duncan and Hershman have said they hope to aggressively grow the chain through franchising. Over the past three years, Hershman has built a dessert empire throughout Manhattan, also being an owner of brands such as Dippin' Dots and Captain Cookie & the Milkman. 

Meanwhile, Duncan’s major online presence will also be of help to the brand. With the help of over 7 million YouTube subscribers and 3.6 million Instagram followers, he may very well be able to make frozen yogurt cool(er).