TREVOSE, Pa. — Rita’s Italian Ice, a frozen-treat chain featuring Italian Ice, old-fashioned frozen custard and milkshakes, is officially coming north of the U.S. border, with the Master Franchise for Canada awarded to Canada Water Ice Company Ltd. of Calgary.
The agreement calls for 80 outlets over the next five years, under the guidance of Steve McDonough, president of Canada Water Ice Company and master franchisee.
“We are proud to introduce Rita’s Italian Ice to Canada,” said Jonathan Fornaci, CEO of Rita’s. “Steve McDonough and his franchise team will enable us to expand Rita’s brand to many more fans throughout North America.”
The chain offers traditional Italian ice in a variety of flavours, including cherry, mango and sugar-free, as well as other customizable treats such as Misto Shakes, made with Italian ice and custard and Blendinis, which combine the latter two ingredients with a choice of mix-ins such as Snickers.
Rita’s Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is the largest Italian ice concept in the U.S., currently operating in 19 states with more than 625 outlets and international locations.
