Free Italian Ice For Year For 1st Guests At Valrico Rita's Frozen Ice

VALRICO, FL — Living in Valrico just got sweeter as Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - the brand known for its Italian ice and frozen custard treats – hosts the grand opening of its first location in Valrico at 2511 E State Road 60 in the Winn-Dixie Plaza on Friday.

Starting at 3 p.m., the new location will reward the first 50 guests in line with free Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year. Guests are also invited to enjoy a $2 small Italian ice, $3 small gelati, music and photo opportunities with Rita’s mascot Ice Guy from 3-5 p.m.

To officially commemorate Valrico’s first Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard location, local franchisees Antoine and Idalice Stokes and Raafi Forde will host the shop’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. The Stokes and Forde plan to open three additional Rita’s locations in the future.

“Rita's has always been such a big part of our lives and our children's lives, as it was the one treat we could all agree on. And with big families, that’s not always an easy task,” said Idalice Stokes. “When the opportunity to bring Rita’s to our community presented itself, we couldn’t pass it up because it’s always been a goal of ours to enter the franchising world. We look forward to giving back to our community in any way we can and expanding this concept into other Florida communities in the near future.”

Rita’s Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection of more than 75 flavors. Rita’s menu also includes creamy frozen custard and signature frozen treats such as gelati, concretes, milkshakes and more.

Rita’s is actively looking for additional franchisees to help develop the brand throughout the country, seeking to partner with hands-on entrepreneurs who are passionate about the brand and motivated to grow.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in 1984, and now has 600 shops.

To learn more about the new Rita’s Italian Ice in Valrico, download the mobile app, visit ritasice.com or call 813-657-0178.