Rita’s Entry into Texas and Illinois is Propelled by Multi-Unit Developers

Posted on September 18, 2008 by Pete Kosowski

Trevose, PA—Rita’s Italian Ice’snationwide expansion brought them to Texas & Illinois this year. This was uncharted territory for the Trevose, Pennsylvania based franchise company that currently operates 530 stores in 23 states. Rita’s bounded into these markets with multi-unit development deals with franchise partners looking to capitalize on a franchise opportunity with an established brand. These deals will bring three units into each market and will serve as a blueprint for future development deals. Rita’s recognizes multi-unit developers as excellent potential franchise partners since most have business or restaurant experience combined with an eagerness for a new challenge. Developers see Rita’s as the perfect brand to introduce into their home markets. For the developer, Rita’s 25 year proven track record and fierce customer loyalty in current markets lay the foundation for them to build their success.

Rita’s launch is part of an aggressive growth strategy, which includes expanding in existing markets while entering new cities in Texas and Illinois. The company is actively seeking new qualified franchise partners for single and multi-unit stores.

"As the Rita’s brand continues to develop in Texas, we're now looking for franchisees in Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston with strong financial backgrounds to manage single and multiple stores and a passion for their local communities," said Mark Mele, Vice President of Franchising, Rita’s. "We are excited about new franchise partners joining our team who are ready to work on their business and not just in it. Our small business, small network approach allows franchise partners to develop a strong presence in their market and play a vibrant part in the daily lives of people who live and work in the community."

Rita’s Italian Ice is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation. Rita’s was named a "Top Performing Franchise" by StartupJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal’s Center for Entrepreneurs. Rita’s and its "Cool University" provide all of its Franchise Partners the training, support, and guidance they need to satisfy their customers and build brand loyalty.

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™ shake and Blendini™ creations. Rita’s signature product is its Italian Ice (often referred to as water ice) which is smoother than a snow cone and combines ice with real fresh fruit; mixed on-site in batches and served within 36-hours. Real fruit adds dramatically to the taste of the ice, which comes in over 39 different flavors.

Flavors of Rita’s Ices include Lemon, Mango, Pumpkin, Georgia Peach, Sweet Tea, Green Apple, Kiwi-Strawberry and Cherry, just to name a few. Rita’s also offers Cream Ice—Italian Ice flavors that are as smooth and silky as ice cream. Cream ice flavors include Cappuccino Cream, Chocolate Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, Fudge Brownie, Banana Split Cream and more. Sugar-free flavors are also available. Rita’s Ices are fat free, nut free, cholesterol free and are kosher.