Philly Pretzel Factory And Rita's Italian Ice Celebrate Grand Opening Of First Co-branded Outlet

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia-based Philly Pretzel Factory, the nation's largest Philly-style bakery, and Rita's Italian Ice, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 outlets, announced today their first co-branded outlet at Montgomery Mall in North Wales, Pennsylvania, will celebrate its grand opening at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2013.  Jeff Moody, CEO of Rita's, and Dan DiZio, CEO of Philly Pretzel Factory, and their respected mascots, Ice Guy and Phil E., will be on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to bring a taste of Philly to consumers across the country. 

To celebrate, Guests who visit the new Montgomery Mall co-branded location will receive ONE Free Rita's Kids Italian Ice and ONE Free Salted Philly Pretzel Twist from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 25^th.  Along with both brands' executives and mascots, representatives from the Pennsuburban Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance for the ribbon cutting at 3:00 p.m.  All Guests will be entered for a chance to win: Free Ice for a Year, Free Pretzels for a Week, and Rita's Italian Ice and Philly Pretzel Gear.   Prizes and drawing detail on location.  Continuing the celebration the following day, all Guests will be entered for a chance to win: Free Pretzels for a Year, Tickets to see Boxer Rebellion, Free Rita's Italian Ice for a Week, and branded gear, on Saturday, October 26th, from 10 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Montgomery Mall is the first co-branded Philly Pretzel Factory and Rita's Italian Ice location. Tasty pretzels and frozen treats will be offered to guests at this first-ever outlet for both brands. The new outlet is located at Montgomery Mall U.S. Route 309 North Wales, PA, 19454, and can be reached by calling 215-361-6922. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

The new co-branded location offers two food staples of the East coast in one convenient place.  As the nation's largest Philly-style bakery, Philly Pretzel Factory bakes fresh, hand-twisted pretzels delivered "Hot Outta The Oven" to their loyal fans. Each pretzel is crafted using only the finest ingredients to deliver each customer the best quality and freshness in every bite, and mirrors Rita's commitment to high-quality products.  Rita's Italian Ice offers a variety of delicious frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, which is made fresh every day on location with real fruit, available in over sixty-five fun flavors.

"Bringing popular Philly based brands Rita's and Philly Pretzel Factory together for the first time ever at Montgomery Mall is great for the fans of both brands," said Rita's Italian Ice chief executive officer Jeff Moody.   "What could possibly be better than a refreshing Rita's Mango Ice and a warm Philly Pretzel with mustard!"

"Rita's has been around since 1984 and their commitment to high quality products coincides with our 'fresh daily' concept," DiZio said. "I've been in the pretzel business my entire life and I know a good product when I see one. I am proud to say that I can sell the freshest pretzels with the highest quality frozen treats around."

ABOUT PHILLY PRETZEL FACTORY
Philly Pretzel Factory was founded in 1998 by college buddies Dan DiZio and Len Lehman who created a recipe unique to Philly, yet desired in any market. Today, the award-winning pretzel feeds customers at more than 100 franchised locations, primarily in the Northeast. For more information on Philly Pretzel Factory, visit www.phillypretzelfactory.com.

ABOUT RITA'S FRANCHISE COMPANY
Rita's Franchise Company, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, currently operating in 21 states with over 600 outlets. Rita's presently has its first international outlet open in China and, opening soon in India, the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), and Canada, and is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through franchise opportunities.

The popular chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors, Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Milkshakes, Sundaes with Unlimited Toppings, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO®, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. Since 1984, "Ice, Custard, Happiness," has been the brand's motto, and almost thirty years later, Rita's is still dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious, custom treats, in a fun-filled atmosphere.

Rita's topped the Zagat Survey for the #1 Best Quick Refreshment, Ice Cream/Custard for 2012, and was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's "Startup Journal" and named Top 100 on Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 500 Franchise Rankings" in 2012.  For more information about Rita's please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com or www.ownaritas.com

SOURCE Rita's Franchise Company