News

Rita’s Italian Ice plans Iowa debut

July 9, 2014

Rita’s Italian Ice has awarded franchise and area development agreements for Iowa to franchisees and area residents, Darrell Cook and Anne Winslow-Cook, who plan to open several stores in the Greater Des Moines area.  Their first store, opening the end of July, is located at Hawthorne Plaza, 9250 University Avenue, West Des Moines.

“Rita’s is proud to open in our 25th state, Iowa,” Eric Taylor, chief development officer, said in a news release. “As Rita’s is focused on growth, we are actively encouraging franchisees to run multiple locations. We are looking for enthusiastic franchisees to become part of our success story. Now, Iowans will see Rita’s growth throughout the Greater Des Moines area with our newest franchise partners, the Cooks.”

Darrell Cook said he and his family first tried Rita’s during a trip to Philadelphia.

“With one bite, I couldn’t believe we had never tasted anything like Rita’s before, and I knew we had to bring this amazing cool treat to Iowa,” he said in the release.