16 Handles Coming To Montclair; Immigrant Entrepreneur Chases Dream

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Things are about to get a little sweeter in Montclair.

Self-serve frozen yogurt eatery 16 Handles will be opening a new location at 42 South Park Street in Montclair on Saturday, May 11. The grand opening event will begin with a ribbon-cutting event at noon, and will include a children’s face painter, live music, a prize wheel, a giant inflatable arch and other family-friendly entertainment.

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According to a news release, the first 100 guests will get a free unlimited cup of frozen yogurt and a commemorative pin. Other guests throughout the day will be offered special discounts, including 50 percent off until 5 p.m., and 25 percent off Saturday night and all-day on Sunday.

The new store has seating for more than 30 customers and also has a party room for guests. Customers can expect 16 rotating flavors (including healthy options), more than 50 toppings and “unique treats alongside classics.”

The local dessert shop in Montclair is owned and operated by franchisee, Tamara Hamilton, a first-generation immigrant who frequented her local 16 Handles while living in New York City.

Here’s how she decided to take the plunge into business ownership, 16 Handles said:

“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,” Hamilton said.

“Being a first-generation immigrant, the dream of owning a business has always been close to my heart but felt unattainable,” Hamilton continued. “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 is co-owned by celebrity YouTuber Danny Duncan, who is known for viral stunts with over two billion online views. Duncan will be making a special appearance during the grand opening weekend, including a meet-and-greet with fans from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Fans can wait in line to take pictures and get autographs from Duncan at no cost, organizers said.