Rita's Italian Ice Appoints New Franchise Development Executive To Accelerate Continued Growth

Franchise Sales Veteran, Eric Taylor, Selected to Lead the Popular Frozen Treat Brand's Domestic and International Development

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Rita's Franchise Company

Jul 08, 2014, 08:10 ET

TREVOSE, Pa., July 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores in 24 states, announced the appointment of Eric Taylor, a 15+ year franchise industry veteran, who has been selected as Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer to lead the popular 30 year old brand's franchise development and growth.

Eric Taylor joined the Rita's team in April 2014, and is responsible for the expansion of the Rita's global footprint. He has held senior leadership roles in multiple leading restaurant chains such as MetroMedia Restaurant Group (Bennigan's, Steak & Ale, Ponderosa, Bonanza), where he oversaw restaurant brands in over 40 states and 20 countries worldwide. In his most recent restaurant capacity, Eric was Vice President, International Franchise Development at Sbarro. Eric holds a B.S. in Marketing from Arizona State University and is originally from Rita's home turf in Philadelphia, PA.

"Eric's experience growing franchise businesses, leading sales teams, and opening restaurants successfully both domestically and internationally is a perfect fit with our overall expansion plans," said Jeff Moody, Chief Executive Officer, Rita's. "We are very happy to have him join our leadership team during this critical time of accelerated growth."

Rita's Italian Ice, which is celebrating 30 years in business, has been aggressively expanding across the United States and internationally. Rita's goal is to open 85 stores across the United States this year and has already opened in several new states including Alabama, California, Utah, Minnesota and more. For information on purchasing your own Rita Italian Ice franchise, please visit www.ownaritas.com

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company, whose business is treats and mission is happiness, was founded 30 years ago, and is headquartered in Trevose, PA. Rita's is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, with over 600 stores in the U.S. and 85 more opening soon, with its first international stores now open in China, and opening soon in Canada and the Philippines. The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through franchise opportunities.

The popular chain offers a variety of "Cool Treats" including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors. Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Sundaes, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO®, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations make up the menu. Since 1984, "Ice, Custard, Happiness," has been the brand's motto, and thirty years later, Rita's is still dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious, custom treats, in a fun-filled atmosphere. Get Rita's. Get Happy!

Rita's is ranked #1 in Nation's Restaurant News "Consumer Pick's 2014" for Service and Value in the Frozen Treat category and #1 among 18‐24 year olds. Rita's was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's "Startup Journal", and ranks #81 on Entrepreneur Magazine's "2014 Franchise 500" list. For more information about Rita's Franchise Opportunities please visit: www.ownaritas.com or please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com.

SOURCE Rita's Franchise Company