Food & Beverage

Rita's Italian Ice teams up with TBS for comedy-themed summer menu

Photo: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

July 21, 2026

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Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has partnered with television network TBS to launch "A Shirley Good Time," a limited-time summer promotion featuring menu items themed after popular comedy series, nationwide giveaways and a promotional tour, according to a press release.

The collaboration, running through Aug. 23 at participating locations, centers on the brand's new Shirley Temple Ice flavor. The co-branded menu includes items inspired by fan-favorite TBS programs:

The Bazinga Blast, referencing "The Big Bang Theory," features Shirley Temple Italian Ice topped with Shirley Sparkle.
The Office Favorite, inspired by "The Office," layers Vanilla Frozen Custard with Shirley Temple Italian Ice and Shirley Sparkle.
The Brain Freeze Misto, tied to "Impractical Jokers," blends Vanilla Frozen Custard with Shirley Temple Italian Ice.
The Central Chiller Ice Blender, referencing "Friends," blends the Shirley Temple Italian Ice into a frozen beverage topped with Shirley Sparkle.

As part of the campaign, Rita's and TBS are launching the "A Shirley Good Time Treat Truck Tour," which will bring frozen treats and interactive experiences to select U.S. markets throughout the summer. Dates and locations for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.

The partnership also includes a social media contest where three winners will receive free Rita's Ice for a year along with a co-branded merchandise pack. To enter, customers must post an original photo or video featuring a Shirley Temple treat on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, tag @RitasIce, and include the hashtags #AShirleyGoodTime and #RitasItalianIce.

"Summer has always been about creating memories with family and friends, and that's exactly what this partnership is all about," Carmela Hughley, SVP of marketing insights and innovation at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, said in the press release. "After introducing our new Shirley Temple Ice, we wanted to build an experience that celebrates everything people love about summer – from nostalgic flavors to iconic television moments. Together with TBS, we're inviting fans everywhere to have A Shirley Good Time."

Network executives echoed the alignment between the two brands' audiences.

"TBS has long been home to the comfort comedies fans turn to again and again, making Rita's the perfect partner for this summer celebration," Melissa Chambless, EVP of marketing, Warner Bros. Discovery, added in the press release. "The best partnerships create experiences that extend beyond the screen, and A Shirley Good Time does just that, bringing together iconic comedies, nostalgic flavors, and fan-focused experiences designed to spark connection, laughter, and unforgettable summer memories."

Participating locations will offer limited-edition co-branded cups and store signage while supplies last.

Headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard serves fresh Italian Ice made daily alongside frozen custard, gelati, Blendinis and other frozen desserts.