Handel's Homemade Ice Cream in Santee's Carlton Hills area is a franchise outpost of the Youngstown, Ohio brand founded by Alice Handel in 1945, now spanning more than 175 locations across 20 states. The Santee parlor at 8980 Carlton Hills Boulevard scoops from a rotating selection of more than 150 flavors developed from the founder's original backyard-fruit recipes, complementing the deli and market offerings at Lakes Market & Deli on the same Carlton Hills corridor. Handel's earned recognition from the Travel Channel as one of the best ice cream parlors in the country and a USA Today top-ten national ranking in 2002. The flavor roster spans signature creations including Graham Central Station, Monkey Business, and Frosted Animal Cookie, served in waffle bowls, sundaes, and Handel pops — a dessert program distinct from the cocktail-and-draft lineup at Full Circle Saloon on Magnolia Avenue. The Santee franchise runs a weekly 3/3/3 promotion selecting one flavor for three scoops at a reduced rate across three consecutive days, rotating the featured variety to showcase the full 150-plus flavor catalog.