A Year Of Free Rita's For 50 Guests At This New South Jersey Shop: How To Win

LINDENWOLD, NJ — Besides the first day of spring, life offers few chances for free Rita's. But a new Rita's Italian Ice eatery in South Jersey will offer free Italian ice for a year to 50 lucky (or perhaps, strategic) guests during Thursday's grand opening.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 20, Rita's of Blackwood (825 Blackwood Clementon Rd., Lindenwold) will reward the first 50 guests in line with the offer. Here's the fine print:

"First 50 in line. Promotion begins on 7/20/23 at 3pm. While supplies last. No Purchase Necessary. Limit 1 per household in line and verification information may be required. Coupons only valid at Rita’s -825 Blackwood Clementon Road, Lindenwold NJ. ©2023 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED."

The Blackwood shop opened this spring, with a drive-thru that sets it apart from other Rita's eateries. Thursday's grand opening will feature a busy afternoon of festivities.

From 3-5 p.m., Rita's will offer $2 Small Italian Ice and $3 Small Gelati. Patrons can also enjoy free giveaways from the Rita's prize wheel and photo opportunities with Rita’s mascot Ice Guy.

To commemorate the opening, franchisees John and Gus Vanore will lead the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. The shop will also donate 20 percent of all proceeds from the grand-opening celebration to Friends of Clementon Food Pantry. The organization will also be on-site to spread awareness.

Here's the schedule for Thursday's grand opening:

• 3 p.m.: giveaway of free Rita’s Italian Ice for a year to the first 50 guests.
• 4 p.m.: official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• 3-5 p.m.: $2 Small Italian Ice and $3 Small Gelati.
• 3-5 p.m.: 20 percent of all proceeds will be donated to Friends of Clementon Food Pantry.

Founded in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Rita's serves frozen treats at about 550 shops — many of which are located in Greater Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic.

Most Rita's operate seasonally — the company requires all shops to stay open from the first day of March until the third Sunday in September. But the eateries in shopping malls (and many in warmer climates) stay open year-round.