Rita’s Italian Ice: Fresh, Fun & Franchise-Ready

Inspired by classic Italian Granita and Gelato, Rita’s blends bold flavors with a one-of-a-kind texture, creating a frozen treat unlike anything else. Rita’s began as a humble front-porch treat stand in 1984 and has grown into a proven QSR franchise with nearly 600 locations and over four decades of customer love. We serve up nostalgia with our made-daily Italian Ice and frozen custard—available in walk-up shops, drive-thrus, catering, app ordering, and mobile units.

Why Rita’s Stands Out

• Fresh & Simple Operations
  Easy prep-and-serve workflows mean minimal staff, low food costs, and strong margins.
• Seasonal & Full-Year Flexibility
  Run seasonally (March–November), year-round, or with a hybrid model—and tap into catering or drive-thru to smooth revenue in the winter.
• Community-Focused Growth
  From sampling events and school fundraisers to mobile trailers, our franchise support team provides step-by-step go-to-market marketing plans.
• Comprehensive Support
  Benefit from onsite training at “Cool University,” business coaches, operational guidance, lease negotiation support, and a dedicated “fairy godparent” mentor.

Ideal for Hands-On & Multi-Unit Owners

Whether you're a single-store entrepreneur or multi-unit investor, you’ll find Rita’s easy to operate and scale.

Recognized Excellence

Featured as a Top 5 Frozen Dessert Franchise by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for brand strength, growth, and support.