Released on: September 26, 2008, 9:51 am

Press Release Author: Melanie O'Brien

Industry: Food & Beverage

Press Release Summary: Rita’s entry into Texas and Illinois is propelled by
Multi-Unit Developers


Press Release Body: Rita’s Italian Ice’s nationwide expansion brought them to Texas
& Illinois this year. This was uncharted territory for the Trevose, Pennsylvania
based franchise company that currently operates 530 stores in 23 states. Rita’s
bounded into these markets with multi-unit development deals with franchise partners
looking to capitalize on a franchise opportunity with an established brand. These
deals will bring three units into each market and will serve as a blueprint for
future development deals. Rita’s recognizes multi-unit developers as excellent
potential franchise partners since most have business or restaurant experience
combined with an eagerness for a new challenge. Developers see Rita’s as the
perfect brand to introduce into their home markets. For the developer, Rita’s 25
year proven track record and fierce customer loyalty in current markets lay the
foundation for them to build their success.

Rita’s launch is part of an aggressive growth strategy, which includes expanding in
existing markets while entering new cities in Texas and Illinois. The company is
actively seeking new qualified franchise partners for single and multi-unit stores.


"As the Rita’s brand continues to develop in Texas, we're now looking for
franchisees in Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston with strong financial backgrounds to
manage single and multiple stores and a passion for their local communities," said
Mark Mele, Vice President of Franchising, Rita’s. "We are excited about new
franchise partners joining our team who are ready to work on their business and not
just in it. Our small business, small network approach allows franchise partners to
develop a strong presence in their market and play a vibrant part in the daily lives
of people who live and work in the community."
Rita’s Italian Ice is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation. Rita’s was
named a “Top Performing Franchise” by StartupJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal’s
Center for Entrepreneurs. Rita’s and its “Cool University” provide all of its
Franchise Partners the training, support, and guidance they need to satisfy their
customers and build brand loyalty.

The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old
Fashioned Frozen Custard and layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto™ shake
and Blendini™ creations. Rita’s signature product is its Italian Ice (often
referred to as water ice) which is smoother than a snow cone and combines ice with
real fresh fruit; mixed on-site in batches and served within 36-hours. Real fruit
adds dramatically to the taste of the ice, which comes in over 39 different flavors.

Flavors of Rita’s Ices include Lemon, Mango, Pumpkin, Georgia Peach, Sweet Tea,
Green Apple, Kiwi-Strawberry and Cherry, just to name a few. Rita’s also offers
Cream Ice—Italian Ice flavors that are as smooth and silky as ice cream. Cream ice
flavors include Cappuccino Cream, Chocolate Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, Fudge
Brownie, Banana Split Cream and more. Sugar-free flavors are also available. Rita’s
Ices are fat free, nut free, cholesterol free and are kosher.
Contact Rita’s for Franchise Information
For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice, contact our Franchise Department at
franchise_sales@ritascorp.com, 1-800-677-RITA (7482) or visit www.ritas.com


Web Site: http://ritas.com

Contact Details: 1210 Northbrook Drive, Ste 310
Trevose, PA 19053
800-677-7482
866-449-0974
m.obrien@ritascorp.com