Rita’s Italian Ice

Rita’s Italian Ice started in 1984 in Philadelphia when a firefighter created a fruit-based frozen treat and named it after his wife, Rita. What began as a single shop has grown into a national chain known for its Italian ice, frozen custard, and soft-serve ice cream. The brand has built a reputation for bright, family-friendly spaces and a rotating menu that includes seasonal flavors and limited-time offerings.

As of November 2025, Rita’s operates more than 600 locations across 28 states, with a strong presence in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, and West. The company continues to open new stores and satellite locations, making its products more accessible in both established and emerging markets. In recent years, Rita’s has introduced new concepts like Rita’s of Franklin Street Social, which offers a year-round social atmosphere with expanded menu options, showing the brand’s willingness to adapt and innovate.

Rita’s is a subsidiary of FAT Brands Inc., a global franchising company with a portfolio of well-known restaurant brands. The chain’s growth over the past five years reflects a steady expansion in store count and format diversity, with locations found in shopping centers, strip malls, and standalone buildings. This ongoing growth, combined with a recognizable brand and flexible formats, positions Rita’s as a reliable and adaptable tenant for landlords and developers looking for established concepts with broad appeal.