February 02, 2026 // Franchising.com // PHILADELPHIA – Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, is celebrating the season of love with the launch of its newest limited-time flavor: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cream Ice. Inspired by the iconic Valentine’s Day treat, this limited-time flavor takes the beloved chocolate-and-strawberry pairing and transforms it into a cooler and more crave-worthy experience in Rita’s signature smooth Italian Ice. It offers a fun, fuss-free twist on the classic treat, with no dipping, no mess, and no waiting required. Available starting today, Monday, February 2, at open Rita’s shops, Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cream Ice gives guests a delicious new way to treat their sweethearts, or themselves, this Valentine’s season.
To make the moment even sweeter, Rita’s is debuting two new creations featuring the flavor. The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Gelati layers Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cream Ice with rich Chocolate Frozen Custard and is topped with chocolate chips for an extra indulgent finish. For those looking to sip their sweets, the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Misto Shake blends Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cream Ice with Chocolate Frozen Custard and chocolate chips into a smooth, decadent drink that’s perfect for enjoying on the go.
“Chocolate-covered strawberry flavor is a Valentine’s Day classic, and we wanted to give fans that same iconic taste in a fun, frozen dessert form this Valentine’s Day,” said Carmela Hughley, SVP of Marketing Insights and Innovation at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “This flavor captures everything people love about the tradition—rich chocolate, sweet strawberry, and a little indulgence—served the Rita’s way.”
Looking for more sweetness? Download the Rita’s Ice app to start earning rewards on your purchases. New members can enjoy one free small Ice, Custard, or Gelati on their first purchase just for signing up. Those who aren’t Rita’s loyalty members yet can download the Rita’s Ice app from the Apple or Google Play stores, or by visiting ritasice.com/app/. Join now to receive free treats, birthday rewards, exclusive app offers and more!
Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s Blendinis™, Milkshakes and more. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard and to find your closest Rita’s shop, please visit http://www.ritasice.com/.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 600 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and signature Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit http://www.ritasice.com/.
SOURCE Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
The popular chain offers a variety of "cool treats," including: its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit and available in more than sixty-five flavors.