Established
1984
Franchise Units
550
Minimum Investment
$278,333
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$643,094
Home Based
No
Description
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a beloved American dessert franchise known for its refreshing Italian Ice and rich frozen custard. With a loyal customer base and a fun, family-friendly brand image, Rita’s offers entrepreneurs a low-barrier entry into the booming frozen dessert industry. The franchise blends traditional recipes with innovation, offering a wide range of flavors and treats that attract customers of all ages.
Background
Rita's Italian Ice has built a strong national presence with more than 600 locations across 30+ U.S. states. The brand's menu is centered around two signature products—Italian Ice and Frozen Custard—which serve as the foundation for its wide selection of frozen desserts. This focused menu helps streamline day-to-day operations while reducing inventory requirements, food costs, and product waste.
To increase revenue opportunities, Rita's offers catering services and mobile unit options, enabling franchise owners to serve customers at community events, festivals, private gatherings, and other off-site locations. These additional sales channels provide greater business flexibility and growth potential.
One of the unique advantages of the Rita's franchise model is its seasonal operation in colder regions, where many locations close during the winter months. This off-season gives franchise owners valuable time to plan business strategies, evaluate performance, and prepare for future expansion. The franchise model is well suited for both experienced multi-unit operators and entrepreneurs looking to own a single location.
Rita's franchise network includes owners from diverse professional backgrounds who share a common goal of building a successful business through a proven franchise system. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, ongoing operational support, and established business processes while enjoying the opportunity to bring Rita's signature frozen treats to their local communities.
The ideal Rita's franchisee is passionate about the brand and committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Successful owners take an active role in launching and operating their business, maintain a strong presence within their communities, and build lasting local relationships that help grow both their individual location and the Rita's brand.
- Established: 1984
- First Franchise Location Opened: 1989
- Total Franchised Locations: 550
- Company-Owned Locations: None
Franchise Availability
Rita's Italian Ice franchise opportunities are available across numerous U.S. states, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
International Availability
- Franchises Available in Canada: No
- International Franchise Opportunities: No
Support Training
Franchise Support & Training
Rita's Italian Ice provides franchisees with a variety of resources and support services to help them successfully launch and operate their business.
Financial Assistance: Available
Site Selection Assistance: Available
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Available
Recruiting Assistance: Not Available
Cooperative Advertising: Not Available
Training Program
Rita's offers a comprehensive initial training program designed to prepare franchisees for day-to-day operations. Training begins with online learning modules, followed by 5 to 6 days of instructor-led training at the brand's Cool University training facility in Trevose, Pennsylvania. Franchisees also complete a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on, in-store training at a certified Rita's location, gaining practical experience in operations, customer service, and product preparation.
Ideal Candidate
Rita’s is looking for individuals who:
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Are passionate about customer service and community engagement.
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Have previous experience in food service or business management (preferred but not required).
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Are enthusiastic, motivated, and hands-on in running their own business.
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Possess strong leadership and team-building skills.
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Can meet the financial requirements and are ready to grow with the brand.
Financial Detail
Rita's Italian Ice Franchise Investment Details (2026)
Minimum Cash Investment: $100,000
Total Initial Investment: $278,333–$643,094
Minimum Net Worth Requirement: $300,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 6.5% of gross sales
Advertising Fee: 3%
Item 19 Financial Performance Representation: Available
Average Number of Employees: Approximately 15
Visa Candidates: Eligible
Passive / Semi-Absentee Ownership: Permitted
Home-Based Business: No
Business-to-Business (B2B) Model: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: Not Available
Veteran Incentive: Eligible veterans receive a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee.