16 Handles, the beloved self-serve frozen yogurt brand with a loyal fan base, will debut a shop in Montclair on May 11, 2024. The new spot, at 42 S Park St., aims to be the premiere local, community-driven destination for frozen yogurt and dessert. Offering seating for over 30 customers and a party room, the community is welcome to enjoy and celebrate special occasions at the new store.

16 Handles features 16 different soft serve flavors, 50+ toppings, and sauces, as well as a variety of frozen novelties such as cakes, take-home pints, and DŌ gourmet edible cookie dough. Rotating flavors range from vegan, nonfat and no sugar added frozen yogurt to rich and creamy ice cream. The brand pushes the boundaries of innovation and flavor, with recent limited-edition launches including Butter Beer, Dune Spice, and Keto Chocolate Brownie, alongside staples like Classic Vanilla, Original Tart, and Made with Nutella. Modern store design with lounge-style seating and late-night hours makes 16 Handles the perfect dessert destination for families, friends and dates.

The local dessert shop is owned and operated by franchisee, Tamara Hamilton. Hamilton frequented her local 16 Handles while living in New York City and loved the atmosphere and the flavors. When the pandemic hit, she decided she needed a career shift, turning towards entrepreneurship. Dedicated to being a business owner, Hamilton took college courses in entrepreneurship, learning the intricacies of owning a business. Deciding what business to open in Montclair was an easy decision for Tamara. For her, there is no better business to open than one that she frequented as a customer, giving her the ability to see her own store from a customer’s point of view. The opening of 16 Handles in Montclair represents the culmination of a dream Hamilton has envisioned since she first arrived in the U.S.

“If someone would have told me 10 years ago that I would be a business-owner, I would not have believed them,” says Hamilton. “Being a first-generation immigrant, the dream of owning a business has always been close to my heart but felt unattainable. Seeing my entrepreneurial dream come to life with 16 Handles is incredibly exciting. I am so appreciative to be able to grow with this incredible and neighborly community as 16 Handles opens its first location in Montclair.”     

16 Handles in Montclair will hold a grand opening event on May 11 beginning with a ribbon-cutting at 12 p.m. The first 100 guests will get to enjoy a free unlimited cup of frozen yogurt and receive a commemorative pin. Guests throughout the day will get to take advantage of special discounts, including 50% off until 5pm, and 25% Saturday night and all-day Sunday. Along with the ribbon-cutting on Saturday afternoon, there will also be a children’s face painter, live music, a prize wheel, a giant inflatable arch and other family-friendly entertainment.

16 Handles is co-owned by celebrity YouTuber Danny Duncan, who is known for viral stunts with over 2 billion online views. Duncan will be making a special appearance during the Grand Opening weekend, including a meet-and-greet for his fans from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 10th. Fans can wait in line to take pictures and get autographs from Duncan at no cost as the company celebrates the highly anticipated store opening.

For more information about the local 16 Handles, visit 16handles.com or connect with the store on Facebook or Instagram.