s winter thaws into spring, Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard is marking the seasonal shift with its popular annual first day of spring celebration.
This Tuesday, Rita’s will be offering free Italian ice to all visitors, along with the debut of its newest flavor: Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice.
Rita’s is set to provide a complimentary six-ounce Italian ice in any flavor to guests who visit any of its locations.
The nearest Rita’s is located at 14 Swamp Road in Newtown Township.
The Bensalem Township-based company, which boasts over 550 stores nationwide, aims to distribute more than one million cups of their famed water ice on Tuesday.
The newly introduced Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice is a take on the popular sour-then-sweet candy that blends tangy and tart flavors. Rita’s is encouraging guests to try the new flavor in a gelati or blended into a Rita’s Blender.
“Our first day of spring giveaway has become a cherished tradition with our guests, and this year, we’re elevating the celebration with the exclusive launch of Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice,” said Linda Chadwick, president and CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. “At Rita’s, our guests inspire us to push our flavor innovation further each year and we are thrilled to partner with the Sour Patch Kids brand to deliver this unique take on a sour-then-sweet favorite in only a way Rita’s can. We hope to see everyone at Rita’s on March 19 to enjoy a free cup of Ice on us.”
Founded in May 1984 by Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo, Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard has grown to become the world’s largest water ice concept. Tumolo started the company in Bensalem Township using a family recipe that incorporated real fruit. He named the product after his wife Rita.
