News

Rita’s Italian Ice plans expansion in New Mexico market

July 22, 2014

Rita’s Italian Ice has awarded franchise and area development agreements for New Mexico and three cities in southern Colorado – Durango, Pagosa Springs and Trinidad – to RNM Management Inc., owned by Dave and Mark Gaulden.

According to a news release, New Mexico marks Rita’s 26th state. The agreement calls for 30 stores to be developed over eight years with the first location planned for Albuquerque in March of 2015. Gaulden said the plans are to develop in Albuquerque and Santa Fe with 14 company-owned stores while sub-franchising the remaining areas of the territory.

"Rita’s is proud to award a franchise development agreement to the Gauldens to accelerate Rita’s growth throughout New Mexico and southern Colorado," Chief Development Officer Eric Taylor said in the release. "We’re confident Rita’s cool treats will be an instant hit among consumers in New Mexico’s year-round warm weather."