Rita's Italian Ice Serves Cool Treats at Please Touch Museum

TREVOSE, Pa., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Rita's Italian Ice© the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 625 stores in 19 states, announced a partnership with Please Touch Museum®, The Children's Museum of Philadelphia™, in Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park at 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia.  Little ones and their families are now able to practice their treat scooping skills as they operate the Museum's new Rita's Italian Ice cart, complete with kid-sized uniforms, serving utensils and other related props.  In celebration of the addition of the new interactive Rita's Italian Ice exhibit, a special event was held Wednesday, June 20^th at 10:00 a.m. for visitors to learn the name of Please Touch Museum's exclusive Rita's Ice flavor and receive samples of this delectable treat.

"Rita's and Please Touch Museum is a perfect partnership," said Jonathan Fornaci, president and CEO of Rita's.  "Children are learning to scoop happiness and work together while enjoying a Philadelphia favorite!"  

During the month of May, visitors to the Museum were allowed to sample Please Touch Museum's amazing icy treat and then offer suggestions for its new name.  Once the choices were narrowed down, Facebook fans voted on which of the top three ideas would become the official name of this favorite summertime delicacy.  Laura Foster, President  & CEO of Please Touch Museum along with Lauriena Borstein, Senior VP of Operations at Rita's, announced the winning flavor name, Carousel Cherry, and samples were available for everyone to taste.   Renowned musician, vocalist Monnette Sudler offered a summer sing along and Rita's mascot, Ice Guy, was creating excitement with visitors.

"Partnering with such a beloved Philadelphia favorite made for a perfect relationship that will bring enjoyment to kids and kids at heart for years to come," said Laura Foster, president and CEO of Please Touch Museum.  

Please Touch Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing learning opportunities through play.  The new interactive exhibit gives children a hands-on experience with Philadelphia's own, Rita's Ice, and gives Museum goers a little "Ice, Custard, Happiness". 

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 19 states with over 625 units. Rita's presently has international locations in China, India and the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) 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, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. 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 was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's 'Startup Journal" and Ranked #156 on Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 500 Franchise Rankings" for 2011.  For more information about Rita's please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com.

About Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum® at Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park is dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing learning opportunities through play.  Recognized locally and nationally as one of the best children's museums, Please Touch Museum is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Admission is $15 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free. For more information, please call 215-581-3181, or visit PTM's web site at www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

SOURCE Rita’s Italian Ice