Rita's Franchise Company

Join The #1 Italian Ice Franchise in The Nation

Rita's is the #1 Italian Ice franchise in the nation. Currently awarding franchises in 23 states with 550 stores open, Rita's continues to fulfill its planned strategic growth. Rita's is a Bond's Top 100 Franchise Company and was named a "Top Performing Franchise" by the Wall Street Journal's Startupjournal.com. Rita's was also selected as one of the 50 Top Franchises for Minorities by the National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI). With a 25 year proven track record, Rita's franchise system is designed to provide comprehensive training and unparalleled operational and marketing support for its franchise partners.

Rita's Rich History & Strong Values
It all began in the summer of 1984 when Bob Tumolo, the original founder and his mother, Elizabeth, began experimenting with recipes for Italian Ice made with chunks of real fresh fruit. The result was quite possibly the best Italian Ice they had ever tasted and the concept of Rita's was born. The first Rita's opened in May 1984 on a front porch in Bensalem, PA. Word of mouth spread quickly and in no time lines were wrapping around the block. In 1987, the Tumolo's decided to franchise the family business and the Rita's concept took off. In May of 2005, Rita's was purchased by Pittsburgh-based McKnight Capital Partners under the direction of Jim Rudolph, our Chairman and CEO. Today.

The Rita's concept was built from the ground up based on "Rita's" values: Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Service. As we have grown larger over the years, the concept of family remains very important to us and we are always looking to welcome new family members who share in our values and our vision for the future.

Rita's brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness™. Rita's 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.

Why Rita's
We’ve assembled the best and most qualified team of construction, human resources, information technology, marketing, operations, real estate, research and development, sales, and training professionals to support you every step of the way. As a franchise partner you’ll benefit from:

• Rita's Total Support System- Our experienced management team, comprised of experts in the quick service restaurant and franchising fields, is ready to assist you in all areas of the development and operation of your Rita's store.
• Store Development Assistance (real estate and construction) - This is the first pair of "helping hands" to aid you once you become a franchisee. Our store development professionals are available to educate, assist and guide you during the period of locating a site and negotiating the lease. They will assist you in finding a contractor, store design and layout, determining zoning requirements, dealing with real estate agents, landlords and brokers.
  
• Cool University - Our Cool University offers you the most in-depth education on the total operations of a Rita's. Our experienced educators give you individual attention during our five-day University program at our Cool University. The Cool University staff is a cohesive, collaborative team of professionals dedicated to the Rita's Italian Ice Franchise Company. We strive to teach, guide, and maintain the highest quality standards so our company and our franchise partners achieve success. Our team upholds and lives Rita's core values of Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Service. Your business package also includes 24 hour online training materials.
• Franchise Services - This is your ongoing support after you open and have a fully operational Rita's store. Franchise service managers are available at all times during the season to help you analyze and improve your sales and explain new procedures and policies. They teach you methods for determining what is working in your shop and ways to improve your operation. Franchise service managers build long-term relationships with franchisees. When you have a problem or concern, they are only a phone call away.

A 25 year Proven Franchise System
Rita's has a systematic plan for growth and we are looking for both single unit and multi-unit operators to join us. You’ll receive a protected territory and a proven business model. Become part of a top-ranked franchise and transform your life with a personally and professionally rewarding business.