Dessert for Everyone: 16 Handles opens frozen yogurt and soft serve shop in Columbia
June 19, 2025
Local Couple to Debut Popular Dessert Brand, Grand Opening Event on June 28 with Free Froyo and Other Incentives
16 Handles, the beloved New York City self-serve frozen yogurt brand known for its unique flavors and premium soft serve, will debut a shop in Columbia on June 28. The new spot, at 4840 Forest Dr., aims to be the top community-driven destination for frozen yogurt and desserts.
The new location is owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Ken and Sarah Barlow. Ken, a Marine Corps veteran, spent nearly three decades working in IT before deciding it was time for a new chapter. With Sarah’s background managing retail locations and working in real estate, the couple set out to open a business rooted in exceptional customer service and experience. Their inspiration came from a family tradition of visiting a new dessert shop each week with their daughter, a ritual that introduced them to the world of frozen yogurt. After discovering 16 Handles, they knew it was the perfect fit to bring the fun, family-friendly concept to their hometown.
A Grand Opening event is set for June 28 with free frozen yogurt for the first 100 guests, half-price treats from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and other discounts throughout the weekend.
16 Handles features 16 soft serve flavors accompanied by over 50 premium toppings and sauces, as well as a variety of frozen novelties such as cakes, take-home pints, and DŌ gourmet edible cookie dough. Soft serve flavors range from vegan, nonfat and no sugar added frozen yogurt to rich and creamy ice cream. The brand pushes the boundaries of innovation, with recent limited-edition flavor launches including French Fry, Squid Ink, Butter Beer, Coconut Lemon Saffron, 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.
“Ken and I are both Columbia natives with deep roots in this community,” said Sarah. “Opening a business in our hometown is a privilege, even more so that the business is a brand that we love. We cannot wait to see memories be made at 16 Handles Columbia and look forward to meeting our wonderful customers.”
For more information about the local 16 Handles, visit 16handles.com or connect with the store on Instagram and Facebook.
About 16 Handles
16 Handles opened its first store in Manhattan’s East Village in 2008, becoming the first self-serve frozen yogurt shop in New York City. Since then, the brand has expanded to over 30 locations with a menu that includes frozen yogurt, ice cream, vegan soft serve, endless toppings, drinks, and other treats and snacks. Each shop’s full menu is available in-store and via the 16 Handles app. In addition to creating irresistible desserts, 16 Handles works closely with local and national organizations in partnerships and fundraisers. For more information, visit 16handles.com.
