Rita's Water Ice

Rita's Water Ice is an East Coast regional chain based in Trevose, PA in Bensalem Township, selling mainly water ice, Old Fashioned Custard, and Gelati (not traditional Gelati see below), as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. There are over 400 locations on the eastern seaboard.


WZAR Phillie Phanatic at Rita's Water Ice News Report

History
Rita's was founded in 1984 by Bob Tumolo with his mother's recipe for Italian ice. By 1987 a second store was opened and by 1989 the family decided to franchise their business. Today there are over 500 locations and can be found in 14 different states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia as well as the District of Columbia. In May, 2005 Rita's was bought by the Pittsburgh based McKnight Capitol Partners. In April, 2007 Rita's moved its Bensalem headquarters to the Trevose section of Bensalem Township.

As a tradition to kick off the "Water Ice Season" of the Spring and Summer months, Rita's Water Ice gives out a free regular sized water ice on the first day of Spring.