Rita's Italian Ice has debuted its new flavor of Italian Ice, inspired by the Swedish Fish candy brand. In partnership with Cadbury, manufacturer of Swedish Fish, the new flavor will be available in all Rita's locations beginning July 31.
"We knew this flavor would transport our adult guests back to their childhoods and get our younger guests excited to enjoy their favorite candy as an Italian Ice flavor," said Jim Rudolph, chairman and CEO of Rita's Franchise Co.
For a limited time only and while supplies last, all guests who order Rita's new Swedish Fish Italian Ice will receive a complimentary sample pack of Swedish Fish candy.
Swedish Fish is one of 11 new flavors for the year, including four sugar-free flavors and a mystery flavor for which the company held a contest allowing customers to name it. A Little Falls, N.J., resident dubbed it RitaBerrious.
A Philadelphia tradition, Rita's Italian Ices are available in more than 40 flavors, all made fresh daily at each location. Cones, custard and other sweet treats also are available at Rita's, including Gelatis and the signature Misto, Ritaccino and Blendini creations. Also new for 2009 is Rita's "Light Line" of healthier treat options that include an expanded selection of sugar-free Italian Ice flavors as well as Rita's signature Slenderita — a fat-free soft serve. *See a slideshow of the history of Rita's Italian Ice product innovations.
Paper lemon fundraiser
Rita's also announced that the company raised $451,000 this June for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF) during its signature paper lemon fundraiser. In the month of June for the past four years, Rita's has collectively raised more than $2 million for pediatric cancer research, becoming the leading corporate fundraiser of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.
From June 1-30, more than 550 Rita's locations participated in the company's fourth consecutive fundraiser and sold paper lemons in $1 increments to Rita's guests.
In 2006, Rita's officially became a corporate partner of ALSF and implemented its unique paper lemon promotion to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. In honor of the Foundation's namesake, the late Alexandra "Alex" Scott, Rita's renamed its Lemon ice flavor — "Alex's Lemonade." Lemon, one of Rita's two original flavor offerings when the company was established in 1984, is one of the company's five most popular flavors.
Rita's is the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores in 18 states.
