Looking for somewhere new to cool off with a sweet treat? Come check out 16 Handles, the latest addition to Trenholm Plaza! Located at 4840 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC, 16 Handles carries self-serve frozen yogurt, ice cream, and vegan oat milk soft-serve, plus smoothies, acai bowls, and shakes with over 50 toppings!
16 Handles opened June 28, 2025 by local couple Ken and Sarah Barlow. Located in the heart of Forest Acres, this convenient location is in close proximity to all the shops and eateries in Trenholm Plaza.
16 Handles Columbia: Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: 4840 Forest Drive, Suite 19, Columbia, SC 29206 — in Trenholm Plaza, Forest Acres
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Thu 12 pm–10 pm; Fri–Sat 12 pm–11 pm; Sun 12 pm–10 pm
- 🍦 Treats: Self-serve frozen yogurt, soft-serve ice cream, vegan oat milk soft-serve, smoothies, acai bowls and shakes, plus 50+ toppings
- 💰 Pricing: Self-serve and priced by the ounce — fill your cup or cone as big or small as you like
- 👨👩👧👦 Best for: Families and treat-lovers of all ages
- ♿ Good to know: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and restroom; free on-site parking
- 📱 Order: In-store, or pickup and delivery through the 16 Handles app
- ☎️ Phone: 803.638.4818
Endless Flavors and Toppings, Infinite Possibilities
Carrying flavors such as Cotton Candy, Salted Caramel, Birthday Cake and vegan Oat Milk Iced Latte & Vanilla, there’s something for every person, mood and occasion.
And with more than 50 toppings, like fruit, candy, nuts, sauces, cookie dough, you can make a new ice cream masterpiece with every cup or cone you fill.
Watch! Making Our Ice Cream at 16 Handles
Select, Stack & Savor
At 16 Handles, it’s about self-expression through self-service. Grab a cup, waffle cone or waffle bowl, choose your favorite frozen yogurt or soft-serve flavor, load up on toppings, then head to the scale where your creation is priced by the ounce.
My Review of 16 Handles
My kids, mother-in-law, and I set out to try 16 Handles, and I have to admit, it is everything we dreamed of and more! Bright colors surround us and upbeat music fills the air, as we breeze into this modern ice cream dream. “Let the Good Times Swirl,” reads the bold pink and blue signage on the wall. Good times indeed.
We all grab our cups and head over to the self-serve stations. Each station is clearly labeled with a corresponding flavor. Most of us opted for vanilla, but one of my daughters insisted on birthday cake. Next up, the famous topping station! Another brightly colored sign adorns the wall in front of the toppings, “Choose Wisely Wildly.”
There’s certainly a topping to accommodate the most and even least adventurous eater. My oldest daughter selects, rainbow sprinkles, Lucky Charm marshmallows, gummy bears, and marshmallows, while my youngest daughter and I (who are sharing a cup) opt for blueberries, rainbow sprinkles, and whipped cream. My mother-in-law decides on strawberries, boba pearl, and whipped cream.
After we all have selected all of our toppings, next everything is weighed and paid for. Ample seating makes it easy to navigate to a table through past the busy patrons.
The Verdict
Everyone in our party raves about how great everything is, and the girls muse over what toppings and ice cream flavors they want to try next time. There will definitely be a next time, and most certainly many more to follow.
Run, Don’t Walk
Hurry, go get it line, pick your flavor, top it off to your heart’s desire, rinse and repeat! Be sure to download the 16 Handles app for loyalty points, promo offers, and online ordering. Pickup and delivery is also available.
16 Handles
4840 Forest Drive, Suite 19, Columbia, SC 29206
803.638.4818
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 10 pm; Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm; Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm
16 Handles Columbia: FAQs
What is 16 Handles?
16 Handles is a self-serve dessert shop where you build your own treat — choose from frozen yogurt, soft-serve ice cream and vegan oat milk soft-serve, then load up at a toppings bar with more than 50 options. It also serves smoothies, acai bowls and shakes.
Where is 16 Handles in Columbia located?
The Columbia shop is at 4840 Forest Drive, Suite 19, Columbia, SC 29206, inside Trenholm Plaza in Forest Acres.
What are 16 Handles’ hours?
16 Handles is open Monday through Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm.
How does pricing work at 16 Handles?
It’s self-serve and priced by the ounce. Grab a cup, waffle cone or waffle bowl, add your favorite flavors and toppings, then weigh your creation at the scale — so you only pay for what you build.
Does 16 Handles have a rewards app and offer delivery?
Yes. The 16 Handles app lets you earn loyalty points and access promo offers, and you can order online for pickup or delivery.
Love Ice Cream as Much as WE Do?
Don’t miss our list of the best ice cream and frozen treats in Columbia, SC.