Over the past four decades, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has become a household name. With 550-plus locations worldwide, Rita’s recipe for success is in its simplistic business model that empowers franchisees to launch and grow their business. By Shelby Green
The Recipe for Straightforward Business Success
Over the past four decades, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has become a household name. With 550-plus locations worldwide, Rita’s recipe for success is in its simplistic business model that empowers franchisees to launch and grow their business.
Compared to other food service franchises, Rita’s offers affordable startup costs and greater sales opportunities. With a simple menu, the brand is also able to keep product costs low and make inventory easy to manage. Additionally, most locations can operate efficiently with just a few employees, keeping labor costs at a minimum.
The owner of a Rita’s franchise has several opportunities to make money. While the storefront serves as a home base, there are plenty of ways to expand revenue potential outside the shop and within the community.
Once a Rita’s location is established, it can serve as a prep kitchen that will allow the franchisee to expand with mobile units. Not only will these additional revenue streams increase sales, but they’ll enable the owner to connect with their local community and attract more customers to the storefront.
Rita’s offers multiple types of locations, including the standard shop with walk-up service, outdoor seating and a preferred drive-thru, in addition to nontraditional units such as theme parks, universities, sports arenas and airports.
“When people hear the name Rita’s, it gets their taste buds going,” said Jordan Kasner, a multi-unit franchisee in Philadelphia, speaking of the brand’s creamy frozen custard and refreshing Italian ice offerings. “That’s why I think people come. They know it’s going to be a pleasant experience and that they’re going to get a really great-tasting treat. It makes them happy.”
Shelby Green