Popular Frozen Treat Brand Expands to 25 States with First Rita’s in Iowa Opening Soon in West Des Moines
Rita’s Italian Ice, the world’s largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores, now in 25 states, has awarded franchise and area development agreements for Iowa to franchisees and area residents, Darrell Cook and Anne Winslow-Cook, who plan to open several stores in the Greater Des Moines area. Their first store, opening the end of July, is located at Hawthorne Plaza, 9250 University Avenue, West Des Moines. The new store will be serving a variety of cool treats including Rita’s famous Italian Ice, a smooth, delicious and unique frozen treat, made with real fruit and available in a selection from over 65 flavors.
“We retired from the Navy (he and his wife) and wanted something to own,” said Darrell Cook. The Cooks took their boys sight-seeing in Philadelphia a few years back, where they took a family photo underneath the Iowa state flag on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Across the street was a Rita’s Italian Ice, where the family enjoyed their first taste of happiness. Darrell ordered the #1 flavor and #1 treat, a Mango Gelati (layers of Mango Italian Ice and Vanilla Old Fashioned Frozen Custard). His sons ordered Swedish Fish (like the popular candy) and Mango Italian Ice. “With one bite, I couldn’t believe we had never tasted anything like Rita’s before, and I knew we had to bring this amazing cool treat to Iowa!” He and his wife are now Area Developers and will open several stores in the Greater Des Moines area, “bringing Rita’s Ice, Custard, Happiness to Iowans!”
Besides bringing the 30 year old brand to Iowa, the 25th state for Rita’s, franchisees, Darrell and Anne Cook, plan to employ 15-20 “Treat Team Members” from the local community. Hours of operation will be Noon – 10:00 p.m. daily. Phone: (641) 870-0056.For more information please visit: www.RITASWDM.com or www.facebook.com/ritasofwestdesmoines
Rita’s Italian Ice, which is celebrating 30 years in business, has been aggressively expanding across the United States and internationally. Rita’s goal is to open 85 stores across the United States this year including their first store in Iowa, which is Rita’s 25th state for the über-popular brand. For more information on purchasing your own Rita Italian Ice franchise, please visit www.ownaritas.com
“Rita’s is proud to open in our 25th state, Iowa,” said Eric Taylor, Chief Development Officer of Rita’s. “As Rita’s is focused on growth, we are actively encouraging franchisees to run multiple locations. We are looking for enthusiastic franchisees to become part of our success story. Now, Iowans will see Rita’s growth throughout the Greater Des Moines area with our newest franchise partners, the Cooks.”
Since 1984 Rita’s has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their smooth and delicious frozen treats. Thirty years later, Guests in Iowa will soon be able to taste and choose from a selection from over 65 Rita’s Italian Ice flavors including the most popular, Mango, Alex’s Lemonade, Swedish Fish, and STARBURST Strawberry, just to name a few! If Guests want a bit more decadent treat, Rita’s Cream Ice, is offered in silky smooth flavors. Health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a taste of Rita’s with Sugar-free Italian Ice and Light Vanilla Frozen Custard.
Rita’s, the “Home of Cool Treats,” offers many delicious options that combine their famous Italian Ice and award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, including layered Gelati, blended Misto Shake, and a personalized Blendini which mixes Italian Ice, Frozen Custard and a delicious topping. Rita’s also has unique Milkshakes made with Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, available in a variety of flavors. Frozen Custard Cakes and Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO are also available for guests to take home to enjoy.
With its motto, “Ice, Custard, Happiness”, Rita’s has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their smooth and delicious frozen treats, made fresh daily, since 1984. That’s thirty years of Rita’s happiness, now finally in Iowa. Get Rita’s. Get Happy!
Rita’s Franchise Company, whose business is treats and mission is happiness, was founded 30 years ago, and is headquartered in Trevose, PA. Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, with over 600 stores in the U.S. and 85 more opening soon, with its first international stores now open in China, and opening soon in Canada and the Philippines. The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through franchise opportunities. Visit: www.ownaritas.com
The popular chain offers a variety of “Cool Treats” including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors. Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Sundaes, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations make up the menu. Since 1984, “Ice, Custard, Happiness,” has been the brand’s motto, and thirty years later, Rita’s is still dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious, custom treats, in a fun-filled atmosphere. Get Rita’s. Get Happy!
Rita’s is ranked #1 in Nation’s Restaurant News “Consumer Pick’s 2014” for Service and Value in the Frozen Treat category and #1 among 18-24 year olds. Rita’s was 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.
For more information about Rita’s Franchise Opportunities please visit: www.ownaritas.com or for more information please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com.
