Rita’s Flavors
In 1984, Bob Tumolo decided to sell Italian ice. With his mother Elizabeth, Bob perfected his ice recipe using fresh fruit. Rita’s lineup has over 60 flavors. This summer it rolled out a limited-time Unicorn flavor described as a sparkly, strawberry candy treat topped with glitter.
Seasonal Delights
Rita’s is an Italian ice and custard shop normally only open half the year before workers hibernate for winter. Some Rita’s treats can be enjoyed in winter.
Curious Tidbits
You have to be 16 to work at a Rita’s in Maryland. I read the mystery Dum Dums flavor is a mix of two flavors, but I only taste one.
Former firefighter Bob Tumolo founded Rita’s in 1984 after buying an Italian ice recipe from a neighbor. Today there are over 600 Rita’s nationwide serving cool treats fresh daily. Water ice is a frozen sweetened fruit juice treat brought to America by Italian immigrants.
Spring Festivities
The first day of spring holds a special Philadelphia treat: Rita’s free water ice. Download Rita’s app before March 20th and enter "SPRING23" for a chance to win free ice for a year.