Rita's Italian Ice
Ice, Custard, Happiness
Franchise Overview
Overview
Rita's Italian Ice is a leading franchise in the Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts sector, specializing in fresh-made Italian ice, classic frozen custard, and signature frozen treats. Founded in 1984, Rita's has built a reputation for delivering a refreshingly unique dessert experience. Their philosophy is simple: serve up smiles and happiness with every order through quality ingredients and unmatched service.
Key Features
- Rita's menu features a rotating selection of over 90 flavors of Italian Ice, many made daily with real fruit. Franchisees can offer:
- Signature layered Gelati (ice + custard)
- Misto® Shakes, Blendinis®, and milkshakes
- Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free Italian ice options
User Experience
Rita’s focuses on family-friendly atmospheres, speedy service, and staff engagement. Guests can customize their desserts or explore pre-set favorites, making each visit unique. Many locations offer seasonal outdoor seating and cater to community events, boosting brand visibility and customer loyalty.
Market Opportunity
The frozen dessert market continues to grow, and Rita's stands out with its refreshing Italian ice and custard combinations. Franchise owners benefit from diverse revenue channels, such as walk-in sales, mobile carts, catering, and local partnerships. Rita’s is especially attractive in regions seeking alternatives to traditional ice cream and for entrepreneurs seeking community-oriented, scalable business models.
Franchise Requirements
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Investment | $194,863 - $528,061 |
| Royalty Fee | 6.5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 3% of gross sales |
| Contract Term | 10 years, renewable |
| Net Worth Requirement | $300,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 |
| Experience | No prior food service experience required; management experience preferred |
Established
1984
Total Units
550+
Headquarters
Trevose, Pennsylvania, USA
Staffing
10-20 per unit (seasonal fluctuations)
Ready to Join the Rita's Italian Ice Family?
Schedule a consultation with our franchise development team to learn more about this opportunity.