Baja Fresh vs Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Baja Fresh and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream are quick-service restaurants franchises. Baja Fresh requires an investment of $429K – $1.0M while Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream requires $461K – $997K. In terms of revenue, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream reports higher average unit revenue at $1.1M. Baja Fresh has SBA lending data on file with a 17.6% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Baja Fresh B (Above Average) and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream B (Above Average).
| Metric | Baja Fresh | Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | BAbove AverageAbove Average | BAbove AverageAbove Average |
| Investment Range | $429K – $1.0M | $461K – $997K |
| Franchise Fee | $30K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $869K | $1.1M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 17.6% (64 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 73 | 153 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1991 | 1989 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$429K – $1.0M
$461K – $997K
Franchise Fee
$30K
$50K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$869K
$1.1M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
17.6% (64 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
73
153
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1991
1989
FDD Year
2025
2025