Rita’s features Ices, Cones, Shakes and other Cool Stuff. Rita’s Italian Ices are made fresh daily and available in more than 30 different flavors. Rita’s old-fashioned Frozen Custard, available in chocolate and vanilla, can be served in either a cone or a cup. Rita’s famous Gelati provides frozen dessert fans with the best of both worlds with its layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. Rita’s Misto, the coolest name in shakes, is a blend of Italian Ice and creamy custard that, when blended, forms a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed on the go. Rita’s also offers Cream Ices for those who prefer a treat that is smoother and richer than Italian Ice, but not as heavy as traditional ice cream.

Today Rita’s is the nation’s largest Italian Ice chain with more than 380 locations operating throughout the East Coast and as far west as Ohio. Rita’s was founded by Bob Tumolo in the summer of 1984. He began by experimenting with his mother’s help with recipes for Italian Water Ice. The response for the final result was overwhelming. In May of 2005, Rita’s was purchased by Pittsburgh-based McKnight and Capital Partners under the direction of CEO Jim Rudolph. Today Rita’s has more than 380 stores in 14 states and has an aggressive growth plan of 1,500 stores by 2010.

 

Investment Required
The fee for a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise is $30,000.

Rita’s provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.

 

On-Going Expenses
Rita’s Italian Ice franchisees pay a royalty fee equal to 6.5% of estimated and/or gross sales, an advertising fee equal to 2.5% of estimated and/or gross sales or $100 and an annual advisory council fee of $150. 

What You Get—Training and Support
Training is divided into two phases, with six days at a corporate training center and two to four days at the franchisee’s location for the grand opening. Training covers production, quality control, inventory control, advertising concepts and strategies, and general business practices. Franchisees also receive corporate assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, store design and development, and the equipment package required to operate the store. Franchisees also receive proprietary recipes, ongoing support and a professionally managed marketing program.

Territory
Rita’s Italian Ice grants exclusive territories.