Rita's History

It all began in the summer of 1984 when Bob Tumolo, the original founder and his mother, Elizabeth, began experimenting with recipes for Italian Ice made with chunks of real fresh fruit. The result was quite possibly the best Italian Ice they had ever tasted and the concept of Rita's was born.

The first Rita's opened in May 1984 on a front porch in Bensalem, PA. Word of mouth spread quickly and in no time, lines were wrapping around the block. In 1987, the Tumolo's decided to franchise the family business and the Rita's concept took off like a rocket.

In May of 2005, Rita's was purchased by Pittsburgh-based McKnight Capital Partners under the direction of Jim Rudolph, our Chairman and CEO. Today, Rita's is the leader in the Italian Ice category, franchising in 23 states with 550 stores open.

The Rita's concept was built from the ground up based on "Rita's" values: Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Service. As we have grown larger over the years, the concept of family remains very important to us and we are always looking to welcome new family members who share in our values and our vision for the future."

Rita's brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness™. Rita's offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard and layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto™ and Blendini™ creations.

Why Rita's

Rita's Total Support System
is fashioned on a strong staff of quick service restaurant and franchising experience. Our experienced management team is ready to assist you in all areas of the development and operation of your Rita's store.

Store Development (Real Estate and Construction) - Our store development professionals are available to educate, assist and guide you during the period of locating a site and negotiating the lease. They will assist you in finding a contractor, store design and layout, determining zoning requirements, dealing with real estate agents, landlords and brokers. Along the way, they will give tons of encouragement.

Cool University - Our Cool University offers you the most in-depth education on the total operations of a Rita's. Our experienced Educators give you individual attention during our 5-day University program at our Cool University. The Cool University Staff is a cohesive, collaborative team of professionals dedicated to the Rita's Italian Ice Franchise Company. We strive to teach, guide, and maintain the highest quality standards so our company and our Franchise Partners achieve success.  Included with your investment, are 24 hour online training materials for all our franchise partners to use with their individual Treat Teams.

Franchise Services - This is your ongoing support after you open and have a fully operational Rita's store. Franchise Service Managers are available at all times during the season to help you analyze and improve your sales and explain new procedures and policies. They teach you methods for determining what is working in your shop and ways to improve your operation. Franchise Service Managers build long-term relationships with franchisees. When you have a problem or concern, they are only a phone call away.


Start the Franchise Process Today!
Rita's has a systematic plan for growth and are looking for both single unit and multi-unit operators who will be provided with a protected territory. We're seeking success-oriented individuals that are ready to make a change in their life by opening a Rita's Italian Ice Franchise. If you have been thinking about making a change in your life by gaining control of your future; then contact us today!

In the last three years we have enjoyed tremendous growth. There has never been a better time to open a Rita's Store!

Single Store Requirements:
Minimum Net worth of $250,000
Minimum Liquid capital available of $75,000
Investment Ranges from $198,400 to $385,400