Rita's Italian Ice

Rita's Italian Ice also known as Rita's Water Ice specializes in variety of frozen treats including famous Italian Ice, Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, layered Gelatis, as well as its signature Misto and Blendini mix-in creations. With 560 stores open, Rita's is currently awarding franchises in 23 states. Rita’s is a Bond’s Top 100 Franchise Company and was named a “Top Performing Franchise” by the Wall Street Journal’s Startupjournal.com. Rita’s was also selected as a Top 50 Franchise for Minorities by the National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI). Rita's mission is to provide Ice-Custard-Happiness.

Rita's was founded in 1984 by former Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo with a recipe that he purchased from an elderly neighbor that he then adjusted to enhance the flavors and include real fruit. By 1987 a second store was opened, and in 1989 the family decided to franchise their business. In 2007, Rita's moved its Bensalem headquarters to Trevose. Today, there are over 500 locations in 20 states and the District of Columbia. In May 2005, the company was sold to McKnight Capital Partners, a private equity group with extensive franchise experience. McKnight Capital Partners recognized the organization’s growth potential and set into place plans to take the company to the next level. In2011, Falconhead Capital purchased a controlling interest in the company from an investment group led by Jim Rudolph. Falconhead named their operating partner Thomas Christopoul as the new chairman and interim chief executive.

In 2012, Rita's announced its global expansion to provide the same top quality service and products in Dutch Caribbean Isles, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Portugal, India, and China.

Products

• Italian Ice
• Fronzen Custard
• Gelati, Italian ice in between either frozen custard or Slenderita.
• Misto, a drink of liquid custard blended with Italian ice.
• Blendini, a combination of frozen custard and Italian ice blended with crushed Oreo pieces, Nilla Waver pieces, pretzel pieces, Heath pieces, Reeses Pieces, Reeses, M&M's Minis, or Wonka Nerds.
• Slenderita, fat-free soft-serve.
• Cream Ice.

Rita's Values

R–Respect
Each and every guest is important at Rita's. We have the ultimate respect for our guests and franchise partners and believe that providing the freshest, highest quality treats is our privilege.

I–Integrity
At Rita's, we are dedicated to doing what is right for our guests and partners while adhering to the highest guest service and product standards.

T–Trust
Our guests trust us to provide the freshest treats and superior service. The entire Rita’s family is expected to earn that trust by delivering on our happiness credo --  ensuring our guests are receiving the freshest, highest quality treats with superior service. 

A–Accountability
We want to be held accountable for the promises we make to our guests and franchise partners. It is our duty to ensure that we are delivering Ice, Custard and Happiness to each guest at every location. We encourage our guests and franchise partners to provide us with their ideas, suggestions and comments and we continually strive to incorporate this feedback to better serve our guests

S–Service
We can only succeed at delivering happiness if we succeed at providing outstanding service. At Rita's, service is our cornerstone. Exceeding the service expectations of our guests and franchise partners is a requirement of our business. We teach every franchise partner and Treat Team member to deliver superior guest service and an unparalleled experience with the Rita’s brand all while serving the freshest, highest quality treats available.