Rita's Italian Ice Awards Biggest Franchise Area Development Agreement In History To Northern California Firm

TREVOSE, Pa., July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores in 25 states, has awarded the biggest franchise area development agreement in the history of the company to East Bay Ice Empire, Inc., (EBIE) an investment group led by Northern California residents and business owners Lisa Pina-Rasmussen, Misty Young, Sandra Bourasa and Matt Seever.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed. EBIE plans to develop at least 75 Rita's stores over the next several years throughout six Northern California counties:  Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.

"Rita's is a well-loved, 30 year old brand that is being enthusiastically embraced by the west coast," said EBIE President, Lisa Pina-Rasmussen. "Rita's swept Southern California this year and we'll soon introduce millions of Bay Area residents to Rita's "Ice-Custard-Happiness" and cool treats. We're thrilled with the opportunity and are eager to develop the ultra-successful Rita's franchise system throughout the region."

Upon full build out, Rita's franchisees in Northern California are expected to employ approximately 525 "Treat Team Members" from local communities. Visit NorCalICE.com for information on becoming a Rita's franchisee in Northern California.

"Rita's is proud to award the largest franchise development agreement in company history to EBIE for Northern California," said Jeff Moody, Chief Executive Officer of Rita's.  "Fans of Rita's who have been waiting for years will be thrilled with EBIE's plans to accelerate Rita's growth throughout the area."

Rita's has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their smooth and delicious frozen treat, made fresh daily, with real fruit in a selection from over 65+ flavors, since 1984.  Soon Guests in Northern California can choose from Rita's Italian Ice flavors including the most popular, Mango, Cherry, Alex's Lemonade, Swedish Fish®, and STARBURST® Strawberry, just to name a few!  If Guests want a bit more decadent treat, Rita's Cream Ice, is offered in silky smooth flavors.  Health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a taste of Rita's with Sugar-free Italian Ice and Light Vanilla Frozen Custard. 

Rita's, the "Home of Cool Treats," offers many delicious options that combine their famous Italian Ice and award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, including layered Gelati, blended Misto® Shake, and a personalized Blendini® which mixes Italian Ice, Frozen Custard and a delicious topping. Rita's also has unique Milkshakes made with Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, available in a variety of flavors. Frozen Custard Cakes and Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO® are also available for guests to take home to enjoy.

Rita's Italian Ice in Northern California will feature the same great combination of fresh made Italian Ice in a clean, fun atmosphere that patrons have loved since the first Rita's location opened in Philadelphia in 1984, thirty years ago this year!                                                                    

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. Visit:  www.ownaritas.com

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 for more information please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com.

SOURCE Rita's Franchise Company