A top-rated ice cream shop is coming to Middle Tennessee. Want to know which one, where?

National Geographic’s number one rated ice cream shop is planning to open a new location in Franklin this summer.

Dating back to 1945, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream includes more than 48 flavors on its menu with an additional 140 more that rotate on a seasonal basis. Ohio native Alice Handel used to make ice cream using fresh fruit she got from her backyard, according to company lore.

The resulting combinations received the “Best Ice Cream” designation in National Geographic’s third edition of 10 Best of Everything, released in 2012.

For the past 75 years, the company has stuck to Handel’s original recipe, officials said. Each batch is created fresh daily.

“With this location, we’re bringing more than just world-class ice cream to Franklin,” said Matt Higgins, owner of Handel’s Ice Cream Cool Springs. “We’re creating a place for families to gather, share laughs and dive into some seriously delicious scoops of unique flavors.”Handel’s is the first tenant in the 990 Meridian Boulevard project. Situated at the front door of Meridian Cool Springs, Handel’s will be connected to a yet-to-be-named upscale specialty restaurant by a green space, officials said. Construction is being led by Boyle Investment Company and is currently underway.

“We see 990 Meridian – with its destination restaurants and beautiful green space primed for year-round events – as a hub for our Cool Springs community and beyond,” said Mark Traylor, director of Retail at Boyle. “These new amenities create even more unique experiences to build and foster community – access to beautiful outdoor space, delicious treats, and all great restaurants and retailers – all in one convenient location for all.”Handel’s Ice Cream will be offering special promotions and giveaways around their yet to be announced grand opening date. To be the first to know about these offers, follow Meridian Cool Springs on Instagram.

This article was originally published in The Tennessean.