Rita's Italian Ice Locations Locator Map and Directory

From Wikipedia

Rita's Water Ice is an East Coast regional chain based in Trevose, PA in Bensalem Township, selling mainly water ice, Old Fashioned Custard, and Gelati (not traditional Gelati see below), as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. There are over 400 locations on the eastern seaboard.

History

Rita's was founded in 1984 by Bob Tumolo with his mother's recipe for Italian ice. By 1987 a second store was opened and by 1989 the family decided to franchise their business. Today there are over 500 locations and can be found in 14 different states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia as well as the District of Columbia. In May, 2005 Rita's was bought by the Pittsburgh based McKnight Capitol Partners. In April, 2007 Rita's moved its Bensalem headquarters to the Trevose section of Bensalem Township.

* As a tradition to kick off the "Water Ice Season" of the Spring and Summer months, Rita's Water Ice gives out a free regular sized water ice on the first day of Spring.

Products

* Water Ice is similar to a sno-cone except smoother. While a sno-cone is shaved ice with flavored syrup poured on top, Rita's Water Ice is produced in a machine that combines water, fruits and flavors and then freezes the mixture within the machine. There is a 36 hour policy that applies to all ices: 36 hours after being made all unused ice is thrown out to ensure freshness.

* Frozen Custard, a rich creamy soft serve ice cream, they use similar machines (Electro Freeze) as Mr. Softee but the mix is much thicker and creamier. It is served in both cups and cones. Recently, it has become available in waffle cones alongside the standard cake cones.

* Gelati, made by layering either vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, twist (choc-van), or twist (straw-van) custard, together with any flavor water ice, with an extra swirl of custard on the top.

* Misto, made with either vanilla or chocolate custard blended with any flavor water ice to produce a creamy milkshake type drink. Some stores also have a sign profiling a "Misto of the Day," which is an employee suggested mixture of ice and custard.

* Blendini (new for the 2007 season) combination of Rita’s Frozen Custard, with either crushed Kraft Oreo cookie pieces or Kraft Nilla Wafer pieces and Rita’s famous Italian/Cream Ice blended together into a frozen treat eaten with a spoon.

* Toppers Made with Rita's custard, you can have your choice of Hot Fudge or Caramel.