Rita's Italian Ice Signs Master Licensee In China

TREVOSE, Pa., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the United States' largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores, will introduce their famous Italian Ice to China.  A Master Licensee development agreement has been signed for rights to open and operate Rita's Italian Ice in five Southern Provinces, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hainan, and Fujian, in the People's Republic of China with Shenzhen Xing He Feng Trade Co., LTD, an established operator of American food brands in China.  The first location in slated to open in Shenzhen in late July 2012. 

"Our latest franchise development is a huge milestone for the twenty-eight year old Rita's brand," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's.  "Rita's is poised to grow internationally and we look forward to making our Rita's Ice famous in China too!"

Rita's Italian Ice locations in China will feature the same great combination of freshly made Ice in a clean, fun atmosphere that patrons have loved since the first Rita's location opened in Pennsylvania in 1984.   Guests will be able to choose from traditional Italian Ice, a smooth and delicious treat made with real fruit, available in over 50 flavors including the most popular Cherry, Lemon, Mango, and Cotton Candy just to name a few!  If Guests prefer a more decadent Ice treat, they can indulge in Cream Ice, which are offered in silky smooth flavors without the heaviness of ice cream.  Finally, health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a delicious treat with the variety of Sugar-free flavors available.  Rita's Ice is made fresh on-site daily at each store, making it like no other frozen treat.

Besides its amazing Italian Ice, Rita's "Home of Cool Treats" will also offers many more delicious options including Misto® Shakes, a combination of your favorite Italian Ice and Custard blended into a cool, creamy, delicious customizable treat, a tempting Gelati which is your favorite Italian Ice layered with creamy Frozen Custard, or Frozen Custard and Rita's Ice blended with your choice of mix-in for a personalized Blendini®.

"Rita's Italian Ice is a very well-liked and respected brand in the United States and we expect a great reception in China as well," said Madam Xu Xue Ling, Chairwoman of Shenzhen Xing He Feng Trade Co., LTD.  "We are very proud to introduce Rita's famous Ice and creamy custard to China."

Rita's recently announced its renewed interest in franchise growth and is actively seeking partners for major international markets across several continents.  The Company is also actively pursuing area development agreements and multiple-unit operators throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, the Carolina's, and the Northeast, and single unit franchisees in the mid-Atlantic region in the United States.

Rita's was assisted in the license acquisition by Edwards Global Services, Inc., an Irvine, California company who specializes in taking high quality US franchises global.

U.S. candidates interested in opening a Rita's Italian Ice should possess a passion for the brand and serving guests and families in a fast-paced environment. Franchisees are required to demonstrate a minimum of $250,000 in liquid capital, a net worth of $750,000 per unit, and a credit score of 700 or better. In addition, it is strongly desired that Area Developer candidates have past franchise operation or area development experience. For more information on franchising, visit www.ownaritas.com

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company is the largest Italian Ice concept in the United States, currently operating in 18 states with over 550 stores.  Headquartered in Trevose, PA, the first Rita's opened in 1984 by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter.  The popular brand offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard and layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. Rita's was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's 'Startup Journal.' Rita's is continuing to grow through franchise opportunities.  For more information about Rita's please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com                                                       

SOURCE Rita’s Italian Ice