Ritters Frozen Custard

Ritter's Frozen Custard is a regional dessert chain offering premium frozen custard, sundaes, shakes, and specialty treats. The company was founded in 1989 by Bill Ritter in Franklin, Indiana, inspired by the classic custard stands of the Midwest. Ritter's quickly built a loyal customer base with its fresh-made custard and signature menu, expanding through franchising during the 1990s and early 2000s.

As of November 2025, Ritter's operates 20 locations across Indiana, Michigan, Florida, Texas, and several other states, with a footprint that remains strongest in the Midwest and Southeast. The brand is recognized for its open-air, walk-up stand format, often featuring outdoor seating and a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. In recent years, Ritter's has evolved its real estate approach, now prioritizing drive-thru and endcap formats to meet changing consumer habits and retail trends. Since being acquired by NexGen Franchising in 2018, Ritter's has renewed its growth posture, with recent openings in Texas and Florida and a pipeline of new stores planned for 2026.

Ritter's continues to seek franchise partners in suburban and small-town markets, focusing on priority states such as Indiana, Michigan, Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company’s flexible format options and established reputation make it a reliable operator in drive-to and neighborhood retail environments, with a strong appeal to families and local communities.