Rita's Ice-Custard-Happiness Franchise News

New Franchise Agreement Will See Popular U.S. Brand Open in People's Republic of China
TREVOSE, Pa., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the United States' largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores, will introduce their famous Italian Ice to China. A Master Licensee development agreement has been signed for rights to open and operate Rita's Italian Ice in five Southern Provinces, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hainan, and Fujian, in the People's Republic of China with Shenzhen Xing He Feng Trade Co., LTD, an established operator of American food brands in China. The first location in slated to open in Shenzhen in late July 2012.
"Our latest franchise development is a huge milestone for the twenty-eight year old Rita's brand," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's...

Both Brands Dedicated to Keeping Guests Happy
Trevose, PA – April 30, 2012 – Rita's Italian Ice© the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 18 states, announced a new partnership with Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland. The refreshing Italian Ice and creamy frozen custard are now being served at Six Flags America making it the first within the Six Flags theme park chain. This season, Rita’s has two locations in the park where guests can enjoy their signature cool treats: a new stand just outside of Apocalypse, the park’s new stand-up roller coaster, and inside Hurricane Harbor Water Park.
“Rita’s Italian Ice is a very well-liked and respected brand in this area,” said Nate Gross, director of in-park services at Six Flags America Maryland...

New Delhi's South Asian Food & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. to Open 50 of the United States Largest Italian Ice Concept Locations, Rita's Ice, across India
TREVOSE, Pa., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the United States largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores, will introduce their famous Italian Ice to India. A Master Licensee development agreement has been awarded to South Asian Food & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary company of South Asian Hospitality Services Pvt. Ltd. based in New Delhi, India. The new Master Licensee announced its aggressive development plan for India to open 50 Rita's Italian Ice stores over the next several years, with the first location opening in New Delhi in the fourth quarter of 2012...

New Franchise Momentum Means Growth and New Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales Scott Schubiger Joins 550 Unit Rita's to Continue Expansion
TREVOSE, Pa., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 22 states, has signed a new area franchise development agreement for part of Los Angeles County, California, and an area franchisee development agreement for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao also known as the ABC Islands. The company also announced Scott Schubiger has joined the company asSenior Vice President of Franchise Sales. Schubiger, a 20 plus year sales veteran, will manage worldwide franchise development for the popular growing chain.
"With a renewed focus on growing the Rita's brand, we are proud to welcome our California and ABC Islands area franchisees," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's...

First-time Ever Rita's National Television Commercials to Debut and Guests Will Receive a Rita's Free Regular Italian Ice Treat March 20th the First Day of Spring
TREVOSE, Pa., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 18 states, will celebrate their twentieth annual first day of spring and Free Ice Giveaway, today, Tuesday, March 20th, 2012. Additionally, Rita's Ice will debut the first ever national television commercial for the brand, March 20th.
In celebration of this 20th annual milestone, all Guests who visit their local Rita's Italian Ice on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 the first day of spring will receive a free Regular Ice of their choice. They can choose from traditional Italian Ice (often referred to as water ice), a smooth and delicious treat made with real fruit and available in over 50 flavors including popular Cherry, Alex's Lemonade, Mango, Swedish Fish®, Kiwi-Strawberry and Island Fusion just to name a few!
"We are excited to celebrate our twentieth year of the first day of spring by debuting our first ever TV spots and welcoming our Guests to enjoy a Free Rita's Ice," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer, Rita's Ice...

Guests Will Receive a Rita's Free Regular Italian Ice Treat March 20th, the First Day of Spring
TREVOSE, Pa., Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 18 states, will celebrate the first day of spring by scooping Free Ice all day Tuesday, March 20th, 2012. What started out as a seasonal re-opening for many Rita's stores has turned into an annual Free Ice day for millions of fans of the amazing frozen treat since 1992, twenty years ago! With its motto, "Ice, Custard, Happiness", Rita's is dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious custom treats on Tuesday, March 20th, to celebrate the first day of spring.
All Guests who visit their local Rita's Italian Ice on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012, the first day of spring, will receive a free Regular Ice of their choice...

Former Straw Hat Pizza President and CEO to Take the Helm of 500+ Unit Franchise Brand
December 16, 2011 // Franchising.com // TREVOSE, Pa. - Rita’s Franchise Company, concept owner of Rita’s Italian Ice (www.ritasice.com), the nation’s largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 locations in 18 states, today announced the appointment of Jonathan Fornaci as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Fornaci brings more than 20 years of operational, retail, franchise chain and brandexperience to his new role with Rita’s Italian Ice. Most recently, he served as president of Straw Hat Pizza, a California-based franchise company, where he made his mark by driving revenue growth through the expansion of the 53-year-old concept beyond California for the first time in its history with numerous new locations, development of an enhanced menu and an extensive effort to upgrade restaurant decor...

NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Falconhead Capital, LLC ("Falconhead"), a private equity firm specializing in growing consumer-focused businesses, today announced the acquisition of a controlling stake in Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company, LLC ("Rita's"), a leading regional frozen treat concept based in Trevose, Pennsylvania, from an investment group led by Jim Rudolph. Jim Rudolph has retained a minority stake and has been named Vice Chairman. Thomas Christopoul, an Operating Partner at Falconhead, has been named Chairman and interim Chief Executive Officer of Rita's. A search is underway for a full time Chief Executive Officer. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.Rita's was founded in 1984 by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter who, alongside his mother Elizabeth and brother John, made and sold Italian Ice from their small porch window...

Sixth Annual Paper Lemon Promotion for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Generates Sizable Donation [START]Trevose, Pa. — Rita's Italian Ice, (http:///www.ritasice.com) the nation's largest Italian Ice concept, today announced the results of its sixth annual partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) which raised a total of $545,000 through in-store paper lemon sales to further pediatric cancer research.

]From June 1 through June 30, more than 550 Rita's locations asked Guests to donate $1 for a paper lemon to raise money for the charity. Additionally, new for 2011, Guests had the option to Text-To-Donate a one-time $5 donation. The Franchise Partner with the greatest contribution was the Boyertown store, which raised $20,105...

Franchise Partners Participate in Sixth Annual Paper Lemon Promotion for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation June 02, 2011 // Franchising.com // Trevose, Pa. — Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept, today announced the start of its sixth annual partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to raise funds to further pediatric cancer research through in-store paper lemon sales and a new Text-to-Donate option.

]From June 1 through June 30, more than 550 Rita's locations will encourage Guests to donate $1 for a paper lemon to raise money for the charity. All Guests have the option to personalize their paper lemons, which are then displayed in the local store's "Wall of Hope," a visual tribute to the community's support of the fundraiser...

The Nation's Largest Italian Ice Retailer to Give Away 1.4 Million Cups of Italian Ice on Sunday, March 20 TREVOSE, Pa., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After a long, cold winter, Rita's Italian Ice (www.ritasice.com), the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores in 18 states, is predicting a "cool-ossal spring Ice storm" designed to bring their signature Ice, Custard Happiness to more than one million consumers. Commemorating the 19th Annual First Day of Spring Free Ice Giveaway, Rita's Italian Ice will offer everyone who visits a participating location one free, regular-size (10 oz.) cup of Italian Ice in the available flavor of their choice. The celebration will run from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at more than 550 Rita's Italian Ice locations across the country...

Nation's largest Italian Ice chain introduces classic cake flavor TREVOSE, Pa. /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores in 18 states, today announced the debut of its newest Italian Ice flavor, inspired by the delicious Butterscotch Krimpets® cakes, one of the most beloved and famous Tastykake® products. Butterscotch Krimpets® Cream Ice will be available in all Rita's locations now through August 22. Guests are encouraged to visit their local Rita's location for a free sample of this season's "coolest" Italian Ice flavor.

In addition to the release of this new flavor, Rita's is launching a Facebook contest, featuring Rita's beloved Ice Guy mascot and Tastykake®'s playful character, Kirbee the Krimpet™...

Guests Can Help Fund Pediatric Cancer Research During the Month of June

TREVOSE, Pa., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Franchise Company, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept, today announced the start of its fifth consecutive paper lemon promotion to raise funds for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to further pediatric cancer research.

From June 1 through June 30, Rita's guests can help put a squeeze on childhood cancer at any of Rita's 550+ locations by purchasing a paper lemon through a $1 donation. Guests can personalize their paper lemons, which will then be proudly displayed as a part of the local store's "Wall of Hope," a visual tribute to their community's participation in the fundraiser.

Additionally, Rita's will be partnering with Just Born, Inc...

Rita's Ice of Greenville, South Carolina, will celebrate the first day of spring by giving away Free Italian Ice. Greenville, SC, --(PR.com)-- Saturday, March 20 will mark a "sweet" date for Italian Ice lovers – and those looking for a free dose of happiness in today's troubled economy. Rita's Franchise Company, the nation's largest Italian Ice chain, will hold its 18th annual First Day of Spring Italian Ice giveaway. A time-honored tradition, more than one million Rita's guests are expected to "scoop up" the offer and feed their spring fever.

A Philadelphia-born springtime tradition, the annual Rita's giveaway is held from noon to 10 p.m. at more than 500 Rita's locations in 17 states. Guests who visit their neighborhood Rita's in Greenville at 3935 Pelham Road (Plaza on Pelham) will receive one free, regular-sized, 10 oz...

March 03, 2010 // Franchising.com // Trevose, PA – Spring has officially sprung and Rita's is celebrating the much anticipated arrival of the new season with a FREE regular Ice and the launch of its new PEEPS® Italian Ice!

Rita's will hold its 18th Annual First Day of Spring Giveaway from noon to 10pm on Saturday, March 20. Each guest who visits one of the over 500 open Rita's locations will receive a FREE regular size, 10 oz. cup of Italian Ice in the available flavor of their choice.

With over 40 delectable flavors plus the cool new PEEPS® Ice, Rita's is the place to be on the First Day of Spring. The arrival of spring just became a little sweeter and much tastier with the launch of Rita's PEEPS® Italian Ice...

NYC customers to receive Free Regular Italian Ice on Feb. 14, including new "Chocolate Chocolate Chip" TREVOSE, Pa. /PRNewswire/ -- Valentine's Day in New York City is usually chilly, but this year New Yorkers will experience a V-Day that is icy in more ways than one. Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept, will open its first-ever New York City location on February 14.

Located at 2486 Broadway between 92nd and 93rd on the Upper West Side, the new store will be open year-round to ensure that New Yorkers can always get their fill of Rita's signature "Ice, Custard and Happiness."

As a special Valentine's Day grand opening treat, all visitors to Rita's new Manhattan location will receive a FREE regular-size Italian Ice on February 14 from 11 a...

Nation's largest Italian Ice concept awards $25,000 to one lucky winner and a trip to Mexico to another lucky winner

TREVOSE, Pa., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores across 18 states, today announced the winners of its system-wide 25th Anniversary "Scratch and Win" game promotion. Launched in May to celebrate Rita's silver anniversary, this promotion offered guests the chance to win $25,000 or a vacation to Riviera Maya, Mexico, courtesy of Apple Vacations.

The lucky winner of the $25,000 was Lori Schwartz of Manalapan, NJ and the winner of the vacation to Riviera Maya was Janine Merolla of Norristown, PA. Both women were equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to win such significant prizes in honor of Rita's silver anniversary...

Annual paper lemon promotion for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation nets more than $2 million in four years

TREVOSE, Pa., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores across 18 states, today announced that the company raised $451,000 this June for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF) during its signature paper lemon fundraiser. In the month of June for the past four years, Rita's has collectively raised more than $2 million for pediatric cancer research, becoming the leading corporate fundraiser of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

From June 1 through June 30, more than 550 Rita's locations participated in the company's fourth consecutive fundraiser and sold paper lemons in $1 increments to Rita's guests...

Nation's largest Italian Ice chain marks silver anniversary throughout the month of May

TREVOSE, Pa., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's, the nation's largest Italian Ice chain, will mark the silver anniversary of its founding on May 4. The company will celebrate this milestone throughout the month of May in its more than 500 locations across 17 states.

The story of Rita's dates back to the sweltering summer of 1984 when Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, decided to open a small Italian Ice business to augment his income. Tumolo opened his first store in Bensalem, Pa. and named the business after his wife, Rita. Although Bob began by selling the "made fresh daily" Italian Ice from a small porch window, Tumolo started franchising the business, and by 1996, Rita's had grown to more than 100 stores in nine states...

New Jersey resident is recipient of Free Italian Ice for a Year

TREVOSE, Pa., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The secret has been revealed and Rita's "Mystery Ice" flavor is a mystery no more. After receiving almost 30,000 name submissions for an online naming contest, Rita's -- the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation -- today announced that Little Falls, NJ resident Linda Fegely is the contest winner. Fegely submitted the winning name -- RitaBerrious -- and was selected by the company from among the top ten submissions.

As the winner of the contest, Fegely will receive free Rita's Italian Ice for one year. In addition to the tasty prize, the company will officially name the new flavor RitaBerrious in all of its over 550 locations...