FAQs

Please click on the FAQs below to find out the answers!

• Who is Rita? Does she really exist?

  Yes! There really is a Rita! The story of Rita's dates back to the sweltering summer of 1984 when Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, decided to open a small Italian Ice business to augment his income. Tumolo opened the first store in Bensalem, Pa. and named the business after his wife, Rita.

  In May 2005, a new era in the evolution of Rita's was ushered in with the sale of the company to McKnight Capital Partners, a private equity group with extensive franchise experience. Led by Jim Rudolph, an experienced franchisee turned franchisor, Rita's has grown tremendously yet has remained true to its name and brand promise: providing the freshest, highest quality treats while delivering superior guest service.

  
  
  

• How do I get a job at my local Rita's? How old do you have to be to work there?

  Each Rita's location is individually owned and operated. In order to obtain employment as a Treat Team member at your local Rita's, please contact the store directly and fill out an application.

  You must be 14 years of age to work in a store. To locate a store near you, please use our store locator.

  
  
  

• Why doesn't Rita's always have my favorite flavor?

  All of our products are made fresh daily onsite at each store. Rita's has a strict freshness policy and to ensure our guests receive the freshest product, we discard all unused ice 36 hours after it was made.

  With more than 40 flavors to choose from, it's just not possible to make each flavor every day. We do try to rotate our flavors and to create as much variety as possible so that there is always a flavor that appeals to your taste buds. Since some flavors are more popular, they may appear more frequently in the rotation.

  We encourage you to call your local Rita's and ask for the flavors of the day. At the same time, inquire as to when your favorite flavor will be available. To locate your closest Rita's, please use our store locator.

  
  
  

• Can I purchase Rita's Italian Ice and re-sell it?

  To ensure you receive the tastiest, freshest treat, Rita's products can only be sold by our franchise partners from their authorized store locations.
  
  

• Do Rita's stores stay open all year long?

  The majority of our stores open in mid-March and close at the end of September. All Rita's locations are required to be opened 7 days before the first day of spring and stay open until the third Sunday in September.

  Rita's shopping mall locations and many of our stores located in warmer year-round climates are open all year.

  
  
  

• What are Rita's store hours?

  Since each location varies, we recommend that you contact your local Rita's directly to obtain their operating hours. Please use our store locator to find the Rita's location nearest you.

  Although our hours can vary from store to store, the minimum hours of operation are:

  March to Thursday before Memorial Day
  Sun - Thurs ~ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm :: Fri & Sat ~ 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

  Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day
  Mon - Sun ~ 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

  Tuesday after Labor Day to October 31
  Mon - Sun ~ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  November to February 28
  Mon - Sun ~ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  
  
  

• Is it possible to have your products shipped to me?

  Unfortunately, we are not able to ship our products at this time.
  
  

• What is your most popular flavor?

  Mango is Rita's most popular flavor of Italian Ice. Coming in at number two is our famous Cherry Italian Ice which is followed by Lemon.
  
  

• Who should I contact to request event or community sponsorship?

  Please contact your closest Rita's directly to request event and community sponsorship. As each Rita's is franchised, our franchise partners are able to work directly with community groups, schools and sporting organizations to form partnerships and develop programs. To find you nearest Rita's, please use our store locator.