Rita's Italian Ice International Expansion Continues With Master Franchise For The Philippines

TREVOSE, Pa., April 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores, is proud to announce its plans to duplicate its success in the United States with its third international franchise agreement to expand to the Philippines. Rita's has signed an international Master Franchise Agreement with the Philippines Cool Planet Delights Corp., a partnership of a group of businessmen, who plan to open five Rita's Italian Ice stores simultaneously in Metro-Manila in July.

"Rita's will do very well in our tropical climate where the weather is warm most of the year," said Ted Castro.  "Filipinos' love for sweets and desserts had a big role in our consideration of becoming Master Franchisees.  After opening a few in Metro-Manila we plan to open in Cebu and island resorts such as Boracay."

Rita's Italian Ice, which is celebrating 30 years in business, has been aggressively expanding across the United States and internationally through their franchise offering. Rita's first international Master Franchise Agreement was for Canada and a second was signed for China last year. The Philippines agreement marks the third for the growing franchise brand.  Rita's has over 300 franchise agreements and stores in development including 85 stores set to open in the United States this year alone for the cool treat brand.

"We are very excited about our third international agreement, our terrific Master Franchise partners and our expansion in the Philippines," said Jeff Moody, CEO of Rita's Franchise Company. "Rita's has worked from the very beginning to create a globally-scalable, incredibly flexible franchise model. After 30 years, our next logical step of growth is to continue introducing our unique and very popular brand to more international regions," he said.

Rita's is growing year-over-year in store count, sales and passionate Guests.  "The international market is, without a doubt, a large part of the rich future ahead for Rita's," said Moody. "We have invested considerable time and money towards our international franchise outreach because we believe in the brand and the time is right for us to find more partners outside of the USA."

The 30 year old brand is now seeking qualified franchisees all over the globe, largely due to its high-quality unique products and adaptability to international markets. For more 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. Rita's first international stores opened in China in November, and more opening soon in Canada and the Philippines.  The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow domestically and internationally. For 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 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, Rita's has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious, custom treats, in a fun-filled atmosphere, and thirty years later, they are still spreading "Ice, Custard, Happiness!" 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