Rita's Italian Ice Opens First International Outlet - Now Scooping In China

TREVOSE, Pa., Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, now the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 outlets in 21 states, has opened its first international outlet at Unit 202A, Ocean Seaview Hotel, Hua Qiao Cheng, No 3 Guang Qiao Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China.  Since 1984, "Ice, Custard, Happiness," has been the popular United States east coast brand's motto, and almost thirty years later, Rita's is dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made custom treats in China. Rita's traditional Italian Ice is a smooth and delicious frozen treat made with real fruit available in over 65 flavors.  Rita's Shenzhen will celebrate by offering Buy One Regular Rita's Italian Ice and Get One Free for all Guests to try this amazing cool treat at their Grand Opening celebration Friday, November 8^th, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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"Opening our first International Rita's is a historic milestone," said Jeff Moody, Chief Executive Officer, Rita's Italian Ice.  "For almost 30 years we've been serving up happiness to millions of American guests and we're thrilled to now start spreading our unique brand of refreshing happiness to the billions of people around the world who could also use a little happiness, starting in Shenzhen China.  We're confident the Chinese consumer will absolutely love Rita's Ices, Custards, Gelatis, and more."

The new International outlet in China is owned by Shenzhen XingHeFeng Trade Co., Ltd, Rita's master franchisor for Southern China, who plans to open 31 Rita's outlets over 10 years. The next Rita's outlet opening will be in the Nanshan District at 59B Podium, Rose Garden, Phase 2 Shekou, Shenzhen.

"We are very excited to introduce Rita's famous Ice and Cool Treats to China and be the first International outlet for the brand," said Xu Xue Ling, Chairman for Shenzhen XingHeFeng Trade Co., Ltd, Rita's Master Franchisee for Southern China.  "Many have never tasted Rita's Italian Ice so we're introducing a unique product and flavors and hope Rita's will be everyone's new favorite treat in China too!"

Rita's new "Home of Cool Treats" in Shenzhen will celebrate their Grand Opening Friday, November 8^th, 2013.  All Guests who visit the new Rita's Italian Ice outlet who Buy One Regular Italian Ice will Get One Free of their choice. Guests can choose from numerous Rita's Ice flavors including the most popular, 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.  Health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a taste of Rita's with Sugar-free flavors also available. 

Rita's the "Home of Cool Treats" offers many delicious options that combine their famous Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, including their layered Gelati, blended Misto® Shake, or a Blendini® which combines Ice, Custard and a delicious topping, such as Snickers®. 

The new Rita's Italian Ice in Shenzhen is located at Unit 202A, Ocean Seaview Hotel, No 3 Guang Qiao Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China.  Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily.  Phone:  86-755 86964283.

Rita's Italian Ice in China features the same great combination of fresh made Ice in a clean, fun atmosphere that patrons have loved since the first Rita's location opened, almost thirty years ago in the United States, in Pennsylvania by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter.      

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the United States, currently operating in 21 states with over 600 outlets.  Rita's presently has international outlets 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-five flavors, Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Sundaes with Unlimited Toppings, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO®, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. Since 1984, "Ice, Custard, Happiness," has been the brand's motto, and almost thirty years later, Rita's is still 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.ownaritas.com

SOURCE Rita's Italian Ice