When Evan Kern was in college, he visited a frozen yogurt shop. The visit left such an impression that he opened a mom-and-pop shop after graduating from California’s University of La Verne.

He considered franchising, but he couldn’t find the right partner. Thirty years later, he landed at 16 Handles, 4575 E. Cactus Road, Suite 135, Phoenix. Evan, who owns the store with his wife, Dana, serves traditional frozen yogurt as well as vegan and gluten-free treats.

“I was looking for something to do, and I finally said, ‘This is my time,’” said Evan, who worked at Scottsdale’s Apple Store and Cox Communications before 16 Handles. He moved to Arizona from the East Coast in 1983 at age 13. 

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“Opening this shop with Dana has been an incredible journey, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring a brand we love to the Paradise Valley area,” Evan said. 

As it implies, the store has 16 rotating soft-serve flavors, over 50 toppings and sauces, and frozen novelties like cakes, take-home pints and DŌ gourmet edible cookie dough. Among the flavors are French fry, salted butter, strawberry kefir, butter beer, keto chocolate brownie, classic vanilla, cookies and cream and original tart.

“We have very high-end toppings and exclusive yogurt. The product contains no GMOs, and we provide great customer service. We like to consider ourselves a step above the rest.”

At 16 Handles, celebrants of any age can receive the venerable “magic spoon.” “Big spoons” are sold as a novelty.

“We have magic spoons for the kids, and I consider everyone ‘a kid’” he said, laughing. “We like to have a nice, happy, uplifting environment. We have modern music on. Pink and blue are our trademark colors.” 

The 18-year-old company opened its first store in Manhattan’s East Village, becoming the first self-serve frozen yogurt shop in New York City. Now, the brand has more than 67 locations open or under development through franchising. Each shop’s full menu is available in-store and via the 16 Handles app.

“This is so much fun,” Evan said.