Rita's Italian Ice Awards Master Franchise For Canada

TREVOSE, Pa., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the United States' largest Italian Ice concept with over 625 outlets, has awarded a Master Franchise for all of Canada to Canada Water Ice Company Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta.   Steve McDonough, President of Canada Water Ice Company, and a franchise veteran, will serve as the Master Franchisee overseeing growth throughout the country.  The agreement calls for 80 outlets to be developed over the course of the next five years.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121206/SF25218)

"We are proud to introduce Rita's Italian Ice to Canada," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's.  "Steve McDonough and his franchise team will enable us to expand Rita's brand to many more fans throughout North America."

With its motto, "Ice, Custard, Happiness", Rita's is dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made delicious custom treats which will be served in Canada soon.  Guests can choose from traditional Italian Ice made fresh daily with real fruit, including the most popular flavors, Cherry, Alex's Lemonade, Mango, Swedish Fish®, and Cotton Candy, just to name a few!  If Guests prefer a more decadent Ice treat, without the heaviness of ice cream, Cream Ice, is their choice and is offered in silky smooth flavors.  Finally, health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a taste of Rita's with Sugar-free flavors also available.  Rita's Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site at each outlet, making it like no other frozen treat, and is served in a fun-filled atmosphere.

Rita's the "Home of Cool Treats" offers many delicious options in addition to Italian Ice, including Misto® Shakes, a combination of Italian Ice and Custard blended into a cool, creamy, delicious customizable treat, a personalized Blendini®, which is Frozen Custard and Italian Ice with your choice of mix-ins such as Snickers® blended together or, a Gelati, your choice of Italian Ice layered with creamy Frozen Custard.  Other tempting treats include Rita's twist on an old-fashioned favorite, Milkshakes, made with Rita's famous Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard and are available in a variety of flavors, topped off with whipped cream.   

Far from being just another Ice Cream or Frozen yogurt franchise, Rita's Italian Ice has virtually created a different category of options and continues to dominate with a unique combination of frozen treat offerings. "We love Rita's Italian Ice products and their long history and track record of success", said Steve McDonough.  "We can't wait to grow the brand and share our love of Rita's with our fellow Canadians. One taste and you become an instant fan – It's true the World Needs More Rita's!"

The new Canadian master franchisee will offer franchise opportunities to those with quick service restaurant experience and multi-unit operators with an emphasis on satellite and mobile units. From inquiry to opening, Rita's seasoned executives provide an unparalleled level of support. Qualified franchisees benefit from a twenty-eight year old brand which is a predictable, measurable and sustainable investment opportunity.  Candidates interested in opening a Rita's Italian Ice should possess a passion for the brand and serving guests and families in a fast-paced environment. In addition, it is strongly desired that area developer candidates have past franchise operation or area development experience. For more information on franchising, visit www.ownaritas.com

Rita's Italian Ice locations in Canada will feature the same great combination of freshly made Ice in a clean, fun atmosphere that patrons have loved since the first Rita's location opened in Pennsylvania in 1984.  

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the United States, currently operating in 19 states with over 625 outlets. Rita's presently has international locations opening in China, India, 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 flavors, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, Milkshakes, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. With its motto:  "Ice, Custard, Happiness," Rita's is 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.ritasice.ca

SOURCE Rita's Italian Ice