Rita’s Reaches Lone Star State

Dec. 22, 2008 - PRLog -- Rita’s, the nation’s largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores, today announced that the company has signed its first development agreement in the state of Texas.  The three-store agreement will result in new stores in Colleyville, Watauga and Lewisville, northern suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth. Texas will mark the 18th state to join the Rita’s family when the stores open for business in Spring 2009.

The opening of three store locations in Texas illustrates Rita’s aggressive expansion plan, set forth by Jim Rudolph, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Rita’s.  “As the Rita’s brand continues to grow, we’re consistently looking for new markets to enter,” said Rudolph.  “We are honored to serve Texas residents this spring and we look forward to expanding our footprint into more markets in the years to come.”

In 2008, Rita’s opened 90 locations and plans on opening 75 stores in 2009, with five locations scheduled to open in Texas in 2009. All of Rita’s new locations offer convenient walk-in service and all stores will be open year round.

A Philadelphia tradition, Rita’s Italian Ices are made fresh daily and are available in more than 40 different flavors.  Rita’s Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard is a soft serve dessert that is available in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee flavors and can be served in a cup or a cone.  Rita’s Gelati is a delightful frozen treat that provides the best of both worlds -- frozen custard mixed with layers of Italian Ice.  Similar to the Gelati, Rita’s Misto Shake is also a blend of Italian Ice and frozen custard and is a convenient treat for those on the go. Rita’s Blendini is a blend of Rita’s frozen custard, fresh Italian Ice and crushed Oreo cookie pieces or Nilla wafer pieces.  Rita’s SlenderitaTM is a creamy and delicious Fat-Free soft serve that is available in vanilla and can be served in a cup or a cone, in a Gelati, or blended into a BlendiniTM.  Rita’s first-ever coffee drink, The RitaccinoTM, is a frosty treat with a rich coffee taste, topped with Rita’s famous vanilla custard.  Rita’s also offers Sugar-Free Italian Ice in Cherry, Pink Lemonade, Root Beer and Tangerine.

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About Rita’s Franchise Company
Rita’s Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 17 states with more than 500 stores. Rita’s brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, and layered Gelati, as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. Rita’s was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Startup Journal.’ For more information about Rita’s, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com.