Rita's Water Ice

Infobox Company
logo=
company_name = Rita's Water Ice
company_type = LLC
foundation = 1984
founder = Bob Tumolo
location = Trevose, Pennsylvania, USA
homepage = [http://www.ritasice.com http://www.ritasice.com]
company_slogan = Be cool, eat a Rita's

Rita's Water Ice is an East Coast regional chain based in Trevose, PA in Bensalem Township, selling mainly water ice, frozen custard, and Gelati (not traditional Gelati, see below), as well as its signature Misto, Blendini, and Ritaccino creations. There are over 500 locations on the eastern seaboard of the United States.

History

Rita's was founded in 1984 by former Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo with his mother's recipe for Italian ice. By 1987 a second store was opened and by 1989 the family decided to franchise their business. Today there are over 500 locations and can be found in 14 different states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia as well as the District of Columbia. In May, 2005 Rita's was bought by the Pittsburgh based McKnight Capitol Partners. In April, 2007 Rita's moved its Bensalem headquarters to the Trevose section of Bensalem Township.

*As a tradition to kick off the "Water Ice Season" of the Spring and Summer months, Rita's Water Ice gives out a free regular sized water ice on the first day of Spring.

Products

*Water Ice is similar to a sno-cone except smoother. While a sno-cone is shaved ice with flavored syrup poured on top, Rita's Water Ice is produced in a machine that combines water, fruits and flavors and then freezes the mixture within the machine. There is a 36 hour policy that applies to all ices: 36 hours after being made all unused ice is thrown out to ensure freshness.
*Frozen Custard, a rich creamy soft serve ice cream, they use similar machines (Electro Freeze) as Mr. Softee but the mix is much thicker and creamier. It is served in both cups and cones. Recently, it has become available in waffle cones alongside the standard cake cones. Standard flavors are Chocolate, Vanilla, and Choc-Van Twist, but Strawberry and Coffee flavors are also available at some locations.
*Gelati, made by layering any flavor of custard, together with any flavor water ice, with an extra swirl of custard on the top. The amount of custard has been reduced in recent years to help reduce costs.
*Misto, made with either vanilla or chocolate liquid custard blended with any flavor water ice to produce a creamy milkshake type drink. Some stores also have a sign profiling a "Misto of the Day," which is an employee-suggested mixture of ice and custard.
*Blendini (new for the 2007 season) combination of Rita’s Frozen Custard, with either crushed Kraft Oreo cookie pieces or Kraft Nilla Wafer pieces and Rita’s famous Italian/Cream Ice blended together into a frozen treat eaten with a spoon.
*Toppings Made with Rita's custard, you can have your choice of Hot Fudge or Caramel.
*Ritaccino (new for the 2008 season) a Misto-like product with liquid vanilla custard, vanilla water ice, and a shot of coffee-flavored syrup.
*Slenderita Fat free custard that can be added to a gelati or blendini.

Water Ice Flavors

Rita's produces over 38 flavors including:
Blueberry, Cherry, Chocolate, Grape, Green Apple, Lemon, Mango, Piña Colada, Strawberry, Tangerine, Watermelon, Island Fusion, Kiwi-Strawberry, Passion Fruit, Raspberry Lemonade, Root Beer, Twisted Melon, Tropical Punch, Wild Black Cherry, Banana, Citrus Blast, Cotton Candy, Georgia Peach, Key Lime, Raspberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Wild Berry, and Alex's Lemonade.

Rita's also often takes flavors which are traditionally used as ice cream flavors and produces a water ice with a creamy, silky texture that is much smoother than ice cream. Cream ice flavors include: Birthday Cake, Cappuccino Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies N' Cream, Fudge Brownie, Pistachio, Mint Chocolate Chip, Banana Split Cream, Berry Banana Cream, Orange Cream, Coconut Cream, Pumpkin Pie, and Vanilla Chip.

ugar Free Flavors

Rita's also offers sugar free ice. Some flavors include: Cherry, Pink Lemonade, Root Beer, and Tangerine.

External links

* [http://www.ritasice.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.ritasfranchises.com/map/index.cfm Rita's Water Ice Franchise Opportunities Map]
* [http://www.ritastbd.com/ Rita's Blendini Website]