Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is coming to Havertown this summer with a new shop at the former Al Pastor Mexican restaurant, writes June Bakan for Patch.
Al Pastor, located at 13 W. Benedict Ave, closed in January.
The Havertown Handel’s will have walk-up counter service only and outdoor patio seating, writes Caroline O’Halloran for Savvy Main Line.
Handel’s operates more than 150 stores across the U.S., including in Berwyn, and is considered one of the Main Line’s best-known ice cream shops.
Buck Buchanan, the Berwyn shop’s franchisee, will also own the Havertown shop. He opted to open in Havertown, where his daughter, Erin, and four grandsons live.
He likes Havertown’s “strong family values, some large families, medium-sized home, and a real sense of community … it’s my favorite little community. If I ever left Devon, I’d move to Havertown,” he said.
Joe Monnich, co-owner of Al Pastor’s parent company, got a great offer for the building and business property back in December and opted to sell.
Al Pastor operated in Havertown for nearly two years. Its Exton location is still open.
Read more about Handel’s coming to Havertown and about Al Pastor closing the restaurant in Patch and at Savvy Main Line.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on DELCO Today in March 2026.
