World’s Largest Italian Ice Concept Opens Three Stores in Canada and Plans for Puerto Rico
Today, Rita’s Italian Ice, the world’s largest Italian Ice concept with more than 600 stores, announced it’s continuing its international expansion and awarding its fifth international master franchise agreement for the development of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. The news comes as the company is continuing to make great strides in the North, officially opening its first three stores in Canada earlier this month.
“Our growth this year has been unprecedented,” said Eric Taylor, chief development officer at Rita’s Franchise Company. “In just a matter of weeks, we opened our second international store and announced another area development agreement.”
Rita’s awarded an international master franchise agreement to Puerto Rita’s, LLC, led by Jack Maxey, Joseph Roskos, Lamont Harris and Mark Cook, for the development of 20 stores by 2024. It’s expected that the deal will bring more than 300 jobs to the Caribbean. The first store is anticipated to open in 2015 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, a popular tourist destination and busy port location.
“Old San Juan is buzzing with foot traffic and couldn’t be a more perfect first location for Rita’s to make its mark in the Caribbean,” said Jack Maxey, managing member of Puerto Rita’s. “We have big plans for expansion beyond Old San Juan and are actively seeking franchisees to join our team. It’s an exciting time to be part of Rita’s.”
Thousands of miles away that same excitement is happening in Canada, as Rita’s opened its first three stores in Calgary at the popular contemporary restaurant Joey’s Urban. Beyond the partnership with Joey’s, Rita’s will debut its famous Italian Ice and signature Frozen Custard at the world famous Calgary Stampede Midway with two locations from July 3-12, 2015.
“After years of planning, we’re thrilled to finally introduce Rita’s signature ‘cool treats’ to the Calgary community,” said Steve McDonough of Canada Water Ice Co., LTD. “Calgary is just the beginning for us — Canadians will be seeing a lot more of Rita’s in their own neighborhoods across the country.”
With more than 30 years in business, Rita’s Italian Ice has been aggressively expanding across the United States and internationally, with locations now open in the Philippines and Canada, and coming soon in the Middle East and the Caribbean. For more information on purchasing your own Rita’s Italian Ice franchise, please visit http://www.ownaritas.com.
Ranked #1 in Nation’s Restaurant News “Consumer Pick’s 2014” for Service and Value in the Frozen Treat category and 14th overall in the Limited-Service category, Rita’s Franchise Company is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world. Headquartered in Trevose, Pa., Rita’s was also named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s “Startup Journal” and ranks #81 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s “2014 Franchise 500” list.
The popular chain offers a variety of “cool treats,” including: its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit and available in more than sixty-five flavors; Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard; Sundaes; Light Custard; Frozen Custard Cakes; Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO; layered Gelatis; and its signature Misto and Blendini creations. Since 1984, Rita’s has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with its freshly made, delicious treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. For more information, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit http://www.ritasice.com.
