Rita's Italian Ice To Celebrate 22nd Annual First Day Of Spring Free Italian Ice Giveaway

TREVOSE, Pa., March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores, announced it will celebrate their 22^nd Annual First Day of Spring Free Italian Ice Giveaway, and debut their newest flavor and co-branded sensation, STARBURST® Cherry Italian Ice, at all locations beginning at Noon, Thursday, March 20^th, 2014.  In celebration of this 22^nd annual milestone, all Guests who visit any Rita's Italian Ice on the First Day of Spring, March 20^th, will receive a free Italian Ice in a limited edition cup, in the available flavor of their choice.   Rita's Guests can choose from a selection of over 65 flavors of the famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, including new STARBURST® Cherry Italian Ice, which tastes just like the popular candy with a juicy burst of fruit flavor!

Fans won't want to miss Rita's First Day of Spring Photo Contest!  Capture your First Taste of Spring at Rita's and tag your photos with #ritasfirstdayofspring on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  beginning March 20^th through March 23^rd, 2014. All First Day of Spring photo entries will be judged on creativity, originality and spirit.  One Grand Prize Winner will receive FREE Rita's Ice for a Year, two Runners-up will receive a special Rita's Spring Picnic Pack, and Honorable Mentions will receive gift vouchers from Printstagram.  Winners will be announced on March 27^th.

Rita's will also host a First Day of Spring Great State Race on Twitter!  All day, on the First Day of Spring, fans "Tweet your Treat" and the state you are located in for a chance to win a Rita's $22 Gift Card! (Example: #RitasNJ #gelati #ritasSTARBURSTcherryice) Thursday, March 20^th, 2014. One lucky fan will be chosen from each state Rita's is located!  

"We are excited to celebrate our 22nd annual First Day of Spring Free Ice Giveaway and welcome our Guests to enjoy their first taste of spring on us," said Jeff Moody, Rita's Chief Executive Officer. "We invite everyone to come try our new STARBURST® Cherry Ice, enter our photo contest and 'Tweet Your Treat'!"

As part of Rita's celebration of its 22^nd Annual First Day of Spring Free Ice Giveaway, Rita's Rewards users will earn a free punch on March 20. Rita's Rewards is a Mobile Loyalty Program which allows Guests to earn rewards for their purchases, write reviews and share their happiness on social networks. Guests can download the Rita's Ice App on their smartphone and earn a Free Regular Italian Ice on their 8th visit.  Rita's Rewards is available via the App store or Google Play store.              

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 its first international stores now open in China, and opening soon in Canada.  The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through franchise opportunities.

The popular chain offers a variety of "Cool Treats" including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors, including Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Sundaes, 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 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.  Get Rita's. Get Happy!

Rita's 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

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140318/SF85068

SOURCE Rita's Italian Ice