Rita’s Italian Ice to test café concept — with customized donuts

The personalization trend has hit the world’s largest Italian ice brand.



Rita’s Italian Ice is testing a cafe concept in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Four additional Rita's Cafe locations are in the works.



In addition to Rita's signature Italian ices and frozen custard, the café features an expanded menu that includes freshly made donuts and an array of cold and hot specialty beverages ranging from espresso to a donut milkshake. Customers can also customize a donut with a variety of icings and toppings of their choice.



"As we looked to expand business hours to new dayparts, the cafe concept gave us the perfect opportunity to provide our guests with delicious, quality products that also naturally fit within our existing menu of famous frozen treats,” said John Small, VP of international and concept development at Rita's Franchise Company.



In addition to Albuquerque, the café concept will be tested in Ammon, Idaho; Bloomington, Minnesota; and Scotts Valley, California.



Rita’s operates more than 600 locations around the globe.