50 Area Developer Agreements to Be Sold Across North and South Florida
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has announced a new 50 store development agreement to expand the fast growing frozen treat brand into North and South Florida. Sunshine State Ice Empire, LLC, partners Matt Rasmussen and Harry and Helen Dong will be working to establish 50 new Rita’s locations in sunny Florida. Sunshine State Ice Empire signed the agreement at the end of June, and have already fielded 20+ inquiries to award licenses.
Rasmussen is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship – in addition to serving as an area developer for Rita’s, he currently owns a global utility brokerage company that operates on four continents and in 25 countries. As a California native, it’s (almost) understandable that it wasn’t until two years ago that Rasmussen first had the opportunity to taste Rita’s delicious Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. After his first sampling, Rasmussen was convinced Rita’s would sweep the West and had the chance to become a category-creating brand in Northern California.
Rasmussen’s instinct was right – in two short years he has been named the area developer for regions across the United States including Northern California, Chicago, Arizona, Hawaii, and now Florida. He has seen resounding success, breaking records repeatedly for opening day sales. It’s no surprise that Rasmussen was named Rita’s Area Developer of the Year for 2015.
“Working with Rita’s has been an incredible experience,” says Rasmussen. “The franchise support has been amazing. Every step of the way I’ve had support of the corporate office and Rita’s trainers. It truly is a made-for-you success system. I am looking forward to expanding the brand across Florida. Italian Ice and Frozen Custard is a perfect marriage to the weather and vacation atmosphere in Florida.”
Peter and Cynthia Bonanni of Jet Ice, LLC were awarded developer agreements for Central Florida in 2015 and already completed 60 percent of their 10 store development agreement in just a few short months. Having previously been a multi-unit fast food franchisee, Mr. Bonanni is very knowledgeable when it comes to the industry. He knows what it takes to be successful and is always on the hunt for the next Rita’s franchisee.
“I’m excited to bring new locations to the central Florida market,” says Mr. Bonanni. “It’s so nice to have a product that is universally enjoyed. Not to mention, Rita’s has a great presence in the community and Rita’s provides franchisees with the tools they need to succeed.”
The popular chain offers many delicious frozen treats 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. Other menu items include Milkshakes, Frozen Drinks, Sundaes, Frozen Custard Cakes and Custard Cookie Sandwiches. 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, and over thirty years later, it is still spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” For more information about Rita’s Italian Ice visit www.ritasice.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 with more than 600 stores in the U.S. The company is aggressively expanding internationally with operating locations in Canada, Philippines, the Caribbean and Middle East. Rita’s, headquartered in Trevose, Pa., 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. For more information about Rita’s franchise opportunities, please call 1-800- 677-7482 or visit: www.ownaritas.com.
