Rita’s Franchise Company

Leading Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Concept Jumps 17 Spots on Esteemed Industry Ranking Following Year of Impressive Growth

PHILADELPHIA — Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, a beloved brand known for its delicious Italian Ice and Frozen Custard treats, was once again recognized on the Franchise Times Top 400 list, the most comprehensive ranking of the largest franchise systems in the United States. The brand ranked No. 260 in 2024, an increase of 17 spots from their 2023 ranking of No. 277.

The Franchise Times Top 400 is an exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales. The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort that leads to the most credible and objective franchise ranking available.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be back on the coveted Franchise Times Top 400 list this year,” said Rita’s President and CEO Linda Chadwick. “We are grateful, not only to Franchise Times for this recognition, but also to our hardworking franchisees, treat team members and loyal customers who truly embody the spirit of the Rita’s family. Their support and enthusiasm drive us to continue creating delicious moments and unforgettable experiences for Rita’s fans everywhere.”

This year, Rita’s has grown to 575 locations currently open worldwide, and with additional locations expected to open by the end of 2024, the 40-year-old frozen treat franchise is stronger than ever. Expanding into new regions, including Texas and Michigan Rita’s continues to flourish, as shown by unit growth of 5.9%, which is projected to continue into Q4.

Notably, the brand has experienced considerable growth in the Midwest, with new locations recently debuting in Ohio, franchised by seasoned restaurant executive Jim Myers and his family, and in Indiana, franchised by professional football player Zaire Franklin and his former coach Eric Taylor. Rita’s has been highly engaged in their football partnerships this year, including continuing to partner with Eagles Autism Foundation, their Philadelphia hometown team’s charitable organization to raise money and awareness for autism research and advocacy.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and is available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s Blenders^™, Milkshakes and more.

Rita’s continues to seek passionate entrepreneurs to expand its presence across the United States. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Rita’s Italian Ice, please visit: http://www.ownaritas.com/.

Beloved Frozen Treat Franchise Expands Presence to 6 Locations in Lone Star State

DALLAS — Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, a beloved brand known for its delicious Italian Ice and Frozen Custard treats, is continuing to expand its presence in Texas with the recent opening of a new location in Arlington, TX with local franchisees Jasmine and Darryl Ward. The Wards are helping to grow the brand alongside existing Dallas area franchisees Dave Lewis, Sean Evans, Jerry Shirer, and Von Shirer.

With a background in public health and education, the Wards were seeking a family-oriented business opportunity where their kids and community could be involved. They were first introduced to Rita’s through Jasmine’s college roommates, and have since made their own memories with the brand, enjoying frozen treats every summer. Taking their love for Rita’s to the next level with franchise ownership was a natural next step for the family, and their location will be a great addition to the thriving Arlington community as the brand continues to grow.

“Darryl and I are excited to have the opportunity to build a legacy for our family with Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard here in Arlington. With our background in public health and education, we are passionate about providing an opportunity for the young people in our community from partnering with local schools to teaching our employees skills that they can carry with them into the future,” said Jasmine Ward. “We are proud to be joining the Rita’s family as the brand continues to expand throughout Texas. As we opened our doors this spring, it has been wonderful to see all our neighbors spending time together and we are looking forward to what is yet to come.”

The Wards are joining a network of franchisees serving Dallas and the surrounding areas including Sean Evans, Jerry Shirer, Von Shirer, and Dave Lewis. Lewis is the owner of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Bedford, TX, which was the first location in the state and has become the number one location nationally in catering volume due to partnerships with local organizations.

“The thriving Dallas-Fort Worth community is the perfect place for Rita’s to grow as the summer heats up, and we are excited to have Jasmine and Darryl joining the team as our newest franchisees in Arlington,” said President & CEO Linda Chadwick. “As we celebrate 40 Years of Rita’s, we are proud to continue to be a part of people’s lives and memories as we work toward our mission of delivering happiness to our guests.”

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s Blenders™, Milkshakes and more.

Rita’s is actively looking for additional franchisees to help develop the brand throughout Texas and the South. The brand is seeking to partner with hands-on entrepreneurs who are passionate about the brand and motivated to grow.

To learn more about franchise opportunities at Rita’s Italian Ice, please visit: http://www.ownaritas.com/.

Beloved Frozen Treat Franchise Partners with Local Entrepreneur to Open First Area Location Later This Year

AUSTIN, Texas — Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, a beloved brand known for its delicious Italian Ice and Frozen Custard treats, announced today a multi-unit deal to bring five franchise locations to Austin, TX, with the first slated to open later in 2024. The latest Texas expansion is being driven by young, local entrepreneur Salvator Raccuglia.

Raccuglia, is originally from Redding, PA and grew up with a Rita’s right down the street. Before becoming a franchisee, he worked at his family’s pizza shop, spent time as an electrician, and started an independent wholesale clothing and sneaker business. When he moved to Austin, Sal quickly took notice of the lack of Italian Ice options and began seeking out an opportunity to bring Rita’s to the community.

“Rita’s has been a part of my life since I was young, so it’s been exciting to be part of the brands growth here in Austin. I am looking forward to sharing my love of this amazing brand with this thriving community,” said Raccuglia. “I have many fond memories with my friends and family at Rita’s, and I hope it will be a place where people can gather year-round and make their own memories with the brand.”

As Austin continues to develop and more people and families populate the area, Rita’s views the market as a key area for the brand’s growth and success. With warm weather throughout the year, Austin is an ideal place for Rita’s to expand and provide the local community a place to enjoy time with friends and loved ones over a sweet treat.

“Having Sal join our franchise network as our newest franchisee in Austin is a great step forward for the brand’s development, and we are glad to welcome him to the team as Rita’s grows in Texas,” said CEO Linda Chadwick. “As we ramp up for the 2024 season, we are thrilled to have Sal on board with his passion for the brand and the Austin community. I am looking forward to seeing Rita’s thrive in Austin as Sal opens several locations in the area.”

Austin residents will come to love Rita’s refreshing Italian Ice, Gelatis, Concretes, Milkshakes, and creamy Frozen Custard. Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily and available in a rotating daily selection from over 75 flavors.

Rita’s is actively looking for additional franchisees to help develop the brand throughout Texas. The brand is seeking to partner with hands-on entrepreneurs who are passionate about the brand and motivated to grow.

To learn more about franchise opportunities at Rita’s Italian Ice, please visit: http://www.ownaritas.com/.