Franchising

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard growth spurt powered by 75 2020 deals

Photo: iStock.

April 29, 2021

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard said in a news release that despite the pandemic, its 2020 franchise sales growth of 75 signed agreements surpasses even that of one of its most previously successful years in 2014.

The Pennsylvania-based dessert chain did not provide specific sales numbers but said it grew same-store sales year-over-year in 2020 and expanded into new markets including Florida, Pennsylvania and Alabama, in the first quarter of last year alone. The growth is an outward display of the brand's strategic plan to bring the 600-shop concept to more than 600 U.S. markets as well. Rita's is actively seeking franchisees for states like Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

"Rita's locations across the country served as a sweet escape throughout 2020 and will continue to be there for our guests in every capacity in 2021," CEO Linda Chadwick said in the release. "Prospective franchisees saw firsthand that Rita's brand loyalty, adaptive systems and innovative thinking helped the brand achieve positive growth amid a difficult year."

Rita's is looking to outpace its 2020 growth by signing 90 to 100 franchise agreements throughout the year, including its first agreement in Kentucky with franchisees Erin Smith, David Smith and Christine Hillard, who've signed a multi-unit deal for the Bluegrass State.

"Our main goal when looking for prospective franchisees is that they are engrained in their local community," Chadwick said. "Rita's most successful franchisees get involved in community organizations, and of course, are committed to providing happiness in a cup to their neighbors."