Rita's Italian Ice Celebrates 20th Annual First Day of Spring With Free Ice

TREVOSE, Pa., March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 18 states, will celebrate their twentieth annual first day of spring and Free Ice Giveaway, today, Tuesday, March 20th, 2012.  Additionally, Rita's Ice will debut the first ever national television commercial for the brand, March 20th.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120320/SF73036)

In celebration of this 20th annual milestone, all Guests who visit their local Rita's Italian Ice on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 the first day of spring will receive a free Regular Ice of their choice. They can choose from traditional Italian Ice (often referred to as water ice), a smooth and delicious treat made with real fruit and available in over 50 flavors including popular Cherry, Alex's Lemonade, Mango, Swedish Fish®, Kiwi-Strawberry and Island Fusion just to name a few! 

"We are excited to celebrate our twentieth year of the first day of spring by debuting our first ever TV spots and welcoming our Guests to enjoy a Free Rita's Ice," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer, Rita's Ice.  "In the new commercials, our Rita's Cool Treats come to life to give the world Ice, Custard, Happiness!"

Rita's Ice will be airing their new television commercials across the country and can be seen on March 20th.  EFK Group, of Trenton, N.J., along with production company, Shooters Inc., created the spots for the popular frozen treat which captures the fun and excitement of the Rita's brand.  The new television spot brings to life Rita as a nine year old girl, along with the Cool Treats gang, The Great Blendini®, Buster Custard and Jil-lati, along with Mista Misto® as they join her to give the world a cool blast of happiness.  Rita's new TV spot can be seen here:  http://youtu.be/o_hbEbjXjgw

What started out as a seasonal re-opening, the first day of spring, for many Rita's stores has turned into an annual Free Ice giveaway day for millions of fans of the amazing frozen treat since 1992, twenty years ago.  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 to celebrate the first day of spring and its milestone, the twentieth year of Free Ice, Tuesday, March 20th. 

Also new this year for the first day of spring, Rita's is introducing new Snickers® and Wonka® Nerds® Mix-ins for their Cool Blendini® Treat. Guests choose their favorite Rita's Ice, Custard and Mix-ins, blended all together now with Wonka® Nerds® and Snickers® and make a blendicious treat!  Visit Rita's on March 20th for a Free Ice, and visit www.ritasice.com for your nearest store location and hours of operation.

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 18 states with over 550 stores.  The chain 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