It’s a scorching summer afternoon, and you’re craving a cool, refreshing treat. What’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re like countless others, it might just be ice cream. Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has all the flavors you crave. With nearly 600 Rita Ice locations across 31 states, Rita’s isn’t slowing down.
Rita’s Italian ice and frozen custard have created a loyal following, making it a standout in the frozen dessert industry. With a simple business model and good support, Rita’s makes it easy for anyone to start a dessert franchise.
What Makes Rita’s Stand Out?
Rita’s Italian Ice isn’t your average frozen dessert shop.
We Have One-of-a-Kind Treats
Rita’s serves a special mix of Italian ice and frozen custard. We make our Italian ice fresh every day, with lots of real fruit flavors. Our frozen custard is smooth and creamy. Together, they make a delicious combination you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, Rita’s offers new flavors all the time, so there’s always something exciting to try.
Rita’s Is a Fun Place to Be
People love Rita’s for more than just the food. Each location is bright, cheerful, and filled with friendly people. The atmosphere is upbeat and fun, making it the perfect place to enjoy a treat with friends and family.
Rita’s is a friendly frozen treat destination. We’ve been a beloved institution in the Northeast for over 30 years, and now we’re bringing our one-of-a-kind flavors to new markets. In the $30 billion frozen dessert industry, being unique is our biggest advantage. Customers crave something different, and we deliver.
“I don’t have exact numbers, but it’s safe to say the majority of our franchisees were passionate about the brand before buying the franchise,” Chadwick said. “Many grew up with Rita’s in their neighborhoods, took their kids there, or tried it on vacation, but the main theme of our franchise pipeline is that they come to us already fans of the brand.”
– Linda Chadwick, CEO
We Have a Scalable Business Model
Running a Rita’s is simpler than you might think. There’s no cooking involved, just the simple preparation of delicious Italian ice and frozen custard. We don’t rely on complicated kitchen equipment nor do we need extensive culinary experience. The menu and simple recipes keep operations smooth and efficient, letting you focus on serving your customers and growing your business.
We Keep Costs Low
We’ve designed a model with low food costs and minimal staffing needs. The main ingredients – Italian ice and custard – are affordable and have a long shelf life, reducing waste. Plus, you can typically run a Rita’s with a small team of part-time employees. This cost-effective structure helps you maximize your profits and see a faster return on your investment.
We Have Room to Grow
Rita’s offers plenty of ways to grow your business. Start with one store, then add mobile units like carts, trailers, or even a food truck. This lets you reach more customers and make more sales without the cost of opening new stores.
Enjoy Seasonal Success
Many Rita Ice locations are open during the warmer months when people want frozen treats the most. This helps you make the most of peak season while saving money during the off-season. We’ll help you decide if this seasonal model is right for you.
How Much Can I Make?
Franchise Fee
The initial fee to join the Rita’s family is $35,000. This covers the rights to use Rita’s brand, access to our proven business model, and comprehensive training and support.
Total Investment
Your total investment can vary depending on the type of Rita’s location you choose. A standard walk-up store typically ranges from $195,000 to $528,000. This includes everything you need to get started, from building out your store and purchasing equipment to stocking your inventory.
Ongoing Royalty Fee
Like most franchises, Rita’s has a royalty fee of 6% of your gross sales. This fee covers ongoing support from our team, including marketing assistance, operational guidance, and access to new product innovations.
Ready to Bring Rita’s to Your Community?
Are you excited about the prospect of owning a Rita’s Italian Ice? If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help.
Contact the Rita’s team to discuss your interest in becoming a franchise owner. They’ll answer your questions, provide detailed information about the franchise opportunity, and help you assess if Rita’s aligns with your business goals.
Owning a Rita’s requires a financial investment. Rita’s team will be transparent about the costs involved, including the franchise fee, startup costs, and ongoing royalties. They’ll also help you explore financing options to make your dream a reality.
Try This Sweet Investment Opportunity!
Ask any Rita’s franchisee, and they’ll tell you the best part is seeing happy customers enjoying their favorite treats. Rita’s is about creating fun moments, whether it’s a child’s first taste of Italian ice or a family gathering for a cool treat.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Rita’s franchisees are passionate about their businesses and love being part of their communities. We’re active members in local events, supporting teams, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Owning one of the Rita Ice locations is like joining a family of passionate entrepreneurs who share a love for great desserts and happy customers.
So if you’re looking for a business that brings in profits and brings joy to your community, Rita’s Italian Ice is the perfect choice for you. With hundreds of Rita Ice locations already spreading happiness across the country, you can become a part of this growing family. It’s a business that puts smiles on faces.
