Introduced in the mid-1980s, Rita’s Italian Ice is a one of the largest Italian ice chains in the world with over 600 locations throughout the United States. The fresh-made frozen treats chain offers many choices that combine the Italian Ice and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, including layered Gelati, blended Misto Shake, and a personalized Blendini which mixes Italian Ice, Frozen Custard and topping. Rita’s also has unique milkshakes made with Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, frozen drinks and Custard Cookie Sandwiches. The company is aggressively expanding internationally with an operating location in the Philippines and stores planned for Canada and the Middle East. Rita’s Italian Ice is currently seeking franchisees for developing in primary and secondary markets. The company is also seeking well-capitalized, experienced candidates for area development to continue its expansion throughout the country. The units operate in various formats ranging from 1000 to 1200 square foot units with seating and full menu, to express locations in amusement parks, stadiums, convention centers, malls, airports, etc. to 600 to 800 square foot self-contained ‘walk-up window’ locations with full menu and outside seating.
CATEGORY: Quick Service
Chain Name: Rita’s Italian Ice
Company Name: Rita’s Water Ice Franchise Company LLC
Street Address: 1210 Northbrook Dr., Suite 310, Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053
Tel: 800/677-7482 & 215/876-9300 Fax: 866/449-0974
Email: Website: www.ritasice.com
Menu Specialty: Fresh made Italian ice with real fruit available in over 65 flavors, along with Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, milkshakes, sundaies, frozen custard cakes, etc.
Introduced: Bob Tumolo opened the first Rita’s Italian Ice in Bensalem, Pennsylvania in Summer 1984. Started franchising in 1989
No. of Locations: Over 600 locations in about 26 states in the United States, Canada
Areas of Operation: National
Types of Location: Various formats operating in mall, street, plaza, centers and non-traditional sites such as amusement centers, convention centers, airports, casinos, transportation hubs, etc.
BusinessType (corp., franchise, jv): Franchise
Size Req’d: 600 to 1200 sq.ft. depending on location and format
Special Requirements (patio, drive-thru, etc):
Contact Name: Jeff Moody – President, CEO
Eric Taylor – Sen Vice President, Chief Development Officer
Lauriena Borstein – Sen Vice President, Operations
Christina Hever – Sen Director, Franchise Sales
Robin Seward – Chief Marketing Officer
REAL ESTATE REPRESENTATIVES:
FRANCHISE REPRESENTATIVES:
PARENT COMPANY: Falconhead Capital LLC, 645 Madison Ave., New York, New York 10022 (212/634-3304)
Related Chains:
Last Report: Restaurant & QSR Expansion Report #148 Last Update:
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