Rita's Italian Ice Awards Master Licensee For India

TREVOSE, Pa., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice®, the United States largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores, will introduce their famous Italian Ice to India.  A Master Licensee development agreement has been awarded to South Asian Food & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary company of South Asian Hospitality Services Pvt. Ltd. based in New Delhi, India.  The new Master Licensee announced its aggressive development plan for India to open 50 Rita's Italian Ice stores over the next several years, with the first location opening in New Delhi in the fourth quarter of 2012. 

"India's booming economy and growing market make the country an excellent strategic fit as Rita's furthers its global reach," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's.  "We are thrilled to partner with South Asian Food & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. who has more than a decade of hospitality and management experience in India, and a successful, well-established infrastructure."

The New Delhi based South Asian Food & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. has Master License agreements with U.S. brand Quiznos and Australian brand Muffin Break. South Asian Hospitality Services Pvt. Ltd. is a multi-brand multi-unit franchisee of domestic brands including partnership with India's Wagh Bakri Tea Company to operate Tea Lounges across India.

"We will leverage our strength to become the leading provider of high-quality treats in India, with a focus on achieving excellence and building the Rita's brand," said Parvin Juneja, chief executive of South Asian Food & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. "We chose Rita's as a respected and proven leader within the industry, and a well-suited partner.  We are very proud to introduce Rita's famous Ice and creamy custard to India."

Rita's Italian Ice locations in India 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.   Guests will be able to choose from traditional Italian Ice, a smooth and delicious treat made with real fruit, available in over 50 flavors including the most popular Cherry, Lemon, Mango, and, Cotton Candy just to name a few!  If Guests prefer a more decadent Ice treat, they can indulge in Cream Ice, which are offered in silky smooth flavors without the heaviness of ice cream.  Finally, health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a delicious treat with the variety of Sugar-free flavors available.  Rita's Ice is made fresh on-site daily at each store, making it like no other frozen treat.

Besides its amazing Italian Ice, Rita's "Home of Cool Treats" will also offers many more delicious options including Misto® Shakes, a combination of your favorite Italian Ice and Custard blended into a cool, creamy, delicious customizable treat, a tempting Gelati which is your favorite Italian Ice layered with creamy Frozen Custard, or Frozen Custard and Rita's Ice blended with your choice of mix-in for a personalized Blendini®.

Rita's recently announced another Master Licensee in China and a renewed interest in franchise growth.  The Company is actively seeking partners for major international markets across several continents, and is also actively pursuing area development agreements and multiple-unit operators throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, the Carolina's, and the Northeast, and single unit franchisees in the mid-Atlantic region in the United States.

U.S. 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. Franchisees are required to demonstrate a minimum of $250,000 in liquid capital, a net worth of $750,000 per unit, and a credit score of 700 or better. 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 was assisted in the India license acquisition by Edwards Global Services, Inc., an Irvine, California company who specializes in taking high quality US franchises global. www.edwardsglobal.com

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company is the largest Italian Ice concept in the United States, currently operating in 18 states with over 550 stores.  Headquartered in Trevose, PA, the first Rita's opened in 1984 by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter.  The popular brand offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard and layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. Rita's was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's 'Startup Journal.' Rita's is continuing to grow through franchise opportunities.  For more information about Rita's please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com                                                       

SOURCE Rita’s Italian Ice