Rita's Italian Ice To Serve Frozen Treats At Metlife Stadium

TREVOSE, Pa., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 625 outlets in 19 states, announced today it has agreed to serve Rita's Italian Ice and custard exclusively at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120724/SF45045)

"We are thrilled to be able to offer Rita's Italian Ice to the attendees and sports fans at MetLife Stadium," said William Bori, Rita's new franchisee.  The 82,500 seat open-air stadium is home to the NFL's New York Football Giants and New York Jets, as well as Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.  MetLife Stadium boasts attendance of over two million guests annually.  "Both Jets and Giants fans will now be able to watch their favorite team while eating their favorite Italian Ice," said Bori.  In addition to Giants and Jets home games, MetLife Stadium hosts dozens of topnotch concerts, festivals, international soccer, and college sporting events each year.

"We are thrilled to have Rita's Italian Ice served at MetLife Stadium to give attendees a quality brand they know and love," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's.  "Our treats add variety to the food options served and offer a delicious local favorite to all Jets and Giants fans!"  

Recently acquired by Falconhead Capital, LLC in New York, Rita's Italian Ice has been aggressively expanding in its core markets in the US as well as internationally.  The development of this innovative and comprehensive multiple sports venue deal was aided by Falconhead's deep relationships and extensive network in the sports and media industries in which it holds significant portfolio investments.

"This is a breakthrough accomplishment for Rita's," said Thomas Christopoul, Executive Chairman of Rita's and Operating Partner of Falconhead Capital.  "The opportunity to serve our exceptional products to millions of fans in our core market and build our brand nationally through a close association with these world class teams and venue is nothing short of groundbreaking."  The partnership agreement also provides for key promotional placement including suite catering distribution and fan exposure at the venue and via the web all year around.

The company is actively seeking area development agreements and multiple-unit operators throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, the Carolina's, and the Northeast, and single unit franchisees in the mid-Atlantic region.  Rita's is also actively pursuing major international markets across several continents.  Candidates interested in opening a Rita's Italian Ice should possess a passion for the brand and serving guests and families in a fast-paced environment. Franchisees are required to demonstrate a minimum of $250,000 in liquid capital, a net worth of $750,000 per unit, and a credit score of 700 or better. In addition, it is strongly desired that Area Developer candidates have past franchise operation or area development experience. For more information on franchising, visit www.ritasice.com

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 Curaçao) 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. 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, 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 Falconhead Capital
Falconhead Capital, LLC (www.falconheadcapital.com), with $400 million of assets under management, is a leading private investment firm established in 1998 to provide investors with significant long-term capital appreciation by investing globally in consumer-focused businesses.  Falconhead Capital's current portfolio includes Competitor Group, Inc., Escort, Inc., Extreme Fitness, Inc., GPSI Holdings, Javo Beverage Company, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Our365 (f/k/a Growing Family) and Premier, Inc.  Past Falconhead investments include, among others, National Powersport Auctions, Maritime Telecommunications Network, and ESPN Classic Europe, LLC.

SOURCE Rita's Franchise Company