Rita's Italian Ice Awards Area Development Agreement to Alabama Veterans

TREVOSE, Pa., April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores, now in 22 states, has awarded franchise and area development agreements for the state of Alabama to franchisees, local residents and Veterans, Doug Portrey and Rob Tarr.  Having grown up with Rita's and vacationed in the Gulf Shores, Portrey and Tarr realized it was time to bring Rita's refreshing Italian Ice, Frozen Custard and "Happiness" to the white sugar sandy beaches of the gulf shores. Plans call for two Rita's stores opening this year and more stores over the next 5 years; beginning with the first Rita's now open in Foley. The new Rita's in Foley will be offering complimentary Regular Rita's Ice for the whole community to try during the Grand Opening celebration and the first 50 Guests will win Rita's Italian Ice for a Year on May 8^th. 

The new 1300 square foot Rita's Italian Ice in Foley is now scooping their famous Ice at 2654 South McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535.  Hours are Monday – Friday Noon-9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday Noon – 10:00 p.m. Visit:  www.ritasfranchises.com/Foley 

"Foley is a perfect location for Rita's on busy highway 59 across from Tanger outlets," said Rob Tarr.  "We are excited to spread Rita's Ice-Custard-Happiness in Alabama and offer giveaways to veterans like us, and those in uniform and public service.  Rita's Italian Ice, and Award-Winning Soft-Serve Frozen Custard and the unique combination of the two – our famous Gelati, is ready for the whole community to try!"

Besides bringing the 30 year old Italian Ice brand to Alabama, Rita's new franchisees and veterans, Doug Portrey and Rob Tarr, employed 15 "Treat Team" members from the local community and will be creating more than 50 new jobs within their new Foley area locations.  Now that's happiness!  

"Rita's is proud to award a franchise and area development agreement to Doug Portrey and Rob Tarr for the state of Alabama," said Jeff Moody, Chief Executive Officer of Rita's Franchise Company.  "Rita's Veteran-owned franchise opportunities honor those men and women who have served in the U.S. military with financial incentives and, veterans Doug and Rob can now expand our brand in Alabama to more Rita's fans!"  

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 Alabama, which is Rita's 22^nd state for the uber-popular brand.  For more information on purchasing your own Rita Italian Ice franchise, please visit www.ownaritas.com

Since 1984 Rita's has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their smooth and delicious frozen treat, made fresh daily, with real fruit in more than 65+ flavors.  Now Guests in Foley can choose from Rita's Ice flavors including the most popular, Mango, Cherry, 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 Italian Ice and Light Vanilla Frozen Custard. 

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 Foley 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. Rita's first international stores opened in China in November, and more opening soon in Canada.  The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through 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, 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 #1 among 18-24 year olds.  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