Rita's Italian Ice Gears Up For First Day Of Spring!

TREVOSE, Pa., March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice^®, the world's largest Italian Ice concept announced all 600 stores will open for the season across the country by this Thursday, March 13th.  Rita's stores are gearing up for their annual First Day of Spring Free Italian Ice giveaway, which takes place Thursday, March 20^th at all Rita's locations.  Since 1992, Rita's has celebrated the First Day of Spring by giving cups of their famous Italian Ice to millions of fans, in fact, more than 10 million free cups of Italian Ice have been given away over the years!  For a list of all Rita's locations, please visit: www.ritasice.com.

Ready for the sunshine?  This year Rita's will celebrate their 22^nd Annual First Day of Spring Free Ice Giveaway and debut their newest flavor and co-branded sensation, STARBURST^® Cherry Italian Ice, made fresh at all locations beginning at Noon, Monday, March 17^th, 2014.   The new STARBURST^® Cherry Italian Ice is the second flavor Rita's co-branded with the popular STARBURST^® brand.  Last year Rita's co-branded sensation STARBURST^® Strawberry Italian Ice was so popular, over a million cups were sold! Another flavor coming April 7th to the Rita's family line-up is STARBURST^® Orange Italian Ice.

"With all Rita's stores opening by Thursday, it's time to Get Rita's and Get Happy!" said Jeff Moody, Chief Executive Officer, Rita's Italian Ice.  "Rita's is gearing up for our 22^nd annual Free Italian Ice giveaway and we're excited to debut our new STARBURST^® Cherry Italian Ice to millions of fans!"

In celebration of this 22nd annual milestone, all Guests who visit any Rita's Italian Ice on the First Day of Spring, March 20^th, will receive a free Ice in the available flavor of their choice, served in a limited edition First Day of Spring cup.  Rita's Guests can choose from a selection of over 65 flavors of the famous Italian Ice made fresh daily, including the new STARBURST^® Cherry Italian Ice, which tastes just like the popular candy with a juicy burst of cherry fruit flavor!  On the First Day of Spring, all members of Rita's Rewards, Rita's mobile loyalty program, will receive a free punch towards earning free treats!  The Rita's Ice app is available for Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded in the App Store or Google Play Store.

In addition to famous Italian Ice, Rita's, the "Home of Cool Treats", is known for their award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard.  Their signature combination treats include the best of both, Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, in a layered Gelati, blended Misto^® Shake, or a personalized Blendini^® with a delicious topping mixed in.  Other treats include Milkshakes, Sundaes, Light Frozen Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes and Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO^®.        

Since 1984, "Ice, Custard, Happiness," has been the popular brand's motto, and thirty years later, Rita's is still dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made custom treats.   Rita's Italian Ice features 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 and its first international stores now open in China, and opening soon in Canada.  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, including 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.  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 was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's "Startup Journal" and named Top 100 on Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 500 Franchise Rankings" in 2012.  For more information about Rita's please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com or www.ownaritas.com  

SOURCE Rita's Italian Ice