TREVOSE, Pa., April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores, now in 23 states, has awarded franchise and area development agreements for Kansas and the Kansas City area, which extends to the Missouri side of the city, to franchisees and local residents Jay Miller, Jeff Miller and Pat Reilly.  Having had Rita's while living in Philadelphia, these three local Wichita, Kansas residents decided to become franchisees and bring Rita's refreshing Italian Ice, Frozen Custard and "Happiness" to the state.  The team also owns Five Guys Burgers and Fries near 29th and Rock Road where the first Rita's store is now open at 2929 N. Rock Road in Wichita, next door to the popular burger shop.  

Since 1984, Rita's has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made custom treats and thirty years later the popular east coast brand is now in Wichita.  Rita's traditional Italian Ice is a smooth and delicious frozen treat made fresh daily with real fruit available in over 65 flavors. The new Rita's in Wichita will be offering complimentary Regular Rita's Italian Ice for the whole community to try during the Grand Opening celebration in May. 

"Wichita is a perfect location for Rita's, next door to Five Guys Burgers and Fries," said Jeff Miller.  "We invite Guests to come try Rita's and see why we wanted to spread the popular Ice-Custard-Happiness treat brand to Kansas!  Everyone will find their own favorite treat like mine, Rita's Mango Italian Ice, layered with our Award-Winning Vanilla Old-Fashioned Soft-Serve Frozen Custard and the unique combination of the two – our famous Gelati!"

The new Rita's Italian Ice is now scooping at 2929 N. Rock Road, Wichita, KS, 67226. Hours of operations are Noon- 10:00 p.m. daily.  Rita's can be reached at 316-440-4896.  For more information visit:  www.ritaswichita.com

Besides bringing the 30-year-old Italian Ice brand to Kansas, Rita's of Wichita franchisees will be creating more than 30 new jobs within their Kansas City area locations.  Now that's happiness!

Rita's Italian Ice, which is celebrating 30 years in business, has been aggressively expanding across the United States and internationally.  In November, Rita's opened its first-ever International store in Shenzhen, China, and this year the opening of their first store in Kansas, which is Rita's 23^rd state for the uber-popular brand.

Rita's Guests in Wichita can choose from Rita's Ice flavors including the most popular, Mango, Alex's Lemonade, Swedish Fish®, and STARBURST® Cherry, just to name a few!  If Guests want a bit more decadent treat, Rita's Cream Ice, is offered in silky smooth flavors.  Health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a taste of Rita's with Sugar-free flavors also available. 

Rita's, the "Home of Cool Treats," offers many delicious options that combine their famous Italian Ice and award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, including layered Gelati, blended Misto® Shake, and a personalized Blendini® which mixes Italian Ice, Frozen Custard and a delicious topping.  Rita's also has unique Milkshakes made with Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, available in a variety of flavors.  Frozen Custard Cakes and Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO® are also available for guests to take home to enjoy.

Rita's Italian Ice in Wichita features the same great combination of fresh made Italian Ice in a clean, fun atmosphere that patrons have loved since the first Rita's location opened in Philadelphia in 1984, thirty years ago this year!  

About Rita's Franchise Company
Rita's Franchise Company, whose business is treats and mission is happiness, was founded 30 years ago, and is headquartered in Trevose, PA.  Rita's is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, with over 600 stores in the U.S., and 85 more opening soon, with its first international stores now open in China, and opening soon in Canada and the Philippines.  The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow domestically and internationally. For franchise opportunities visit: www.ownaritas.com.

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

Rita's is ranked #1 in Nation's Restaurant News "Consumer Pick's 2014" for Service and Value in the Frozen Treat category and 14^th overall in the Limited-Service category.  Rita's was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's "Startup Journal", and ranks #81 on Entrepreneur Magazine's "2014 Franchise 500" list.  For more information about Rita's Franchise Opportunities please visit:  www.ownaritas.com or for more information please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com.

SOURCE Rita's Italian Ice