Rita's Italian Ice Opens 50th Store This Year And First In Iowa

TREVOSE, Pa., Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores in 26 states, announced it has opened its 50^th new location of the year, with the first in the state of Iowa. Since 1984, the popular east coast brand has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made custom treats, and thirty years later, Rita's is now spreading "Ice, Custard, Happiness" in Iowa at Hawthorne Plaza, 9250 University Avenue, West Des Moines. Rita's in West Des Moines will be offering complimentary regular sizes of Rita's famous Italian Ice for the whole community to try during their Grand Opening celebration Friday, September 26^th, 2014. Additionally, the first 50 guests in line that morning will receive free Rita's Italian Ice for a year!

Rita's West Des Moines is owned and operated by franchisees and area residents, Darrell Cook and Anne Winslow-Cook, who plan to open several stores in the Greater Des Moines area. They hired 15 "Treat Team" members from the community for their first store, which is located at Hawthorne Plaza, 9250 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50266. Hours are Noon – 10:00 p.m. daily. Phone: (515) 987-4444. For more information please visit:  http://www.ritasiceminnesota.com/www.RITASWDM.com or www.facebook.com/ritasofwestdesmoines

Rita's expansion to Iowa is part of an aggressive growth plan to open 85 new franchised locations in 2014. Rita's will continue to grow in existing markets and introduce the 30-year-old brand to new markets both domestically and internationally this year.

"Rita's is proud to open our 50^th new store this year and our first store in the state of Iowa," said Eric Taylor, Chief Development Officer, Rita's Italian Ice. "The brand has achieved tremendous growth over the past year and we have no plans of slowing down," said Taylor.

Rita's traditional Italian Ice is a smooth and delicious frozen treat made fresh daily with real fruit available in a selection from over 65 flavors. Some of Rita's most popular flavors include Mango, Cherry, Alex's Lemonade, Swedish Fish®, and Cotton Candy, just to name a few! If Guests want a bit more decadent treat, Rita's Cream Ice, without the heaviness of ice cream, is offered in silky smooth flavors. Sugar-Free Italian Ice flavors and light options are also available for health conscious guests. 

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.

With its motto "Ice, Custard, Happiness," Rita's has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their smooth and delicious frozen treats since 1984. That's thirty years of Rita's happiness! Get Rita's.Get Happy!                     

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 and 85 more opening soon, including Canada and the Philippines. The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow domestically and internationally. For franchise opportunities visit: www.ownaritas.com.

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", ranks #81 on Entrepreneur Magazine's "2014 Franchise 500" list and Top Frozen Treat Brand by Entrepreneur Magazine's "2014 Top Most Trusted Brands". For more information about Rita's Franchise Opportunities please visit: www.ownaritas.comor for more information please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com.

SOURCE Rita's Franchise Company