Business Description

Rita's is the largest Italian Ice chain in the nation. With a 25 year proven business model, 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.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1984

Franchising Since:  1989

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	521	98.9%
Company-Owned Units:	6	1.1%
Total Operating Units:	527	100.0%
Minority Representation Units Owned by Minorities: African-American: 11.7% Asian-American: 3.6% Hispanic: 1.5% Native American: 0% Other: 1.6% Specific Minority   Program(s) in place: Although we strongly support the objectives of the NMFI, we do not yet have any specific programs in place at this time. We are active participants in IFA's Minority Fran.
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 527 100% In 23 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 527 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. Delaware	27
2. New Jersey	108
3. Pennsylvania	228

Registered in Following Registration States: Illinois, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$250K
Cash Investment:	$75K
Total Investment:	$198.15-445.9K
Average Total Investment:	$322K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$35K
Average Franchise Fee:	$35K
On-Going Royalty:	6.5%
Average Royalty:	6%
Advertising Fee:	2.5%

Average Number of Employees: 2 Full-time, 15 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 1,000-1,500

Preferred Sites: Free-standing Building, Strip Center

Other Sites: Transportation Centers & Universities

Encourage Conversions? Yes

Earnings Claims Provided?: Yes

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	3
General Business Experience:	3
Specific Industry Experience:	3
Formal Education:	3
Psychological Profile:	3
Personal Interview(s):	5
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	10 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	10 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Allowed, But Discouraged
Area Development Agreements?	Yes, for 0 Year(s)
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	Yes
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	No
Size of Corporate Staff:	90
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	Yes
Financial Assistance?	Yes, Indirect
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	Yes
National Advertising:	No
Regional Advertising:	No
Local Advertising:	No
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	Not Applicable
Central Purchasing:	Not Applicable
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Included in Fees
Franchisee Newsletter:	Included in Fees
Regional or National Meetings:	Included in Fees
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. Corporate Office	5 Days
2. On-Site	4 Days
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 100 U.S.: Yes, East of Mississippi Canada: No Overseas: No	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Rita's Italian Ice.