Rita’s sees surge in franchise growth; to expand in Ohio, Texas
An East Coast frozen dessert chain is continuing to add new units to its development pipeline.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, which operates more than 600 locations nationwide, says it is on track to double its 2026 new shop signings, experiencing a 100% increase in ownership inquiries compared to last year.
Rita’s is also expanding outside its core East Coast and Mid-Atlantic markets into new regions. While multi-unit developer Disrupt Foods, a 40-plus unit franchisee, announced plans to open three new locations in Brockton, Mass., and Clifton and Newark, N.J., franchisee Jim Myers opened multiple Ohio locations in the first half of the year, with two additional shops planned for the Cleveland market this year, bringing his total to nearly 10 units.
Franchisee Kyle Wiborg opened his first location in North Richland Hills, Texas, and has three additional shops under construction along with plans to open 10 total throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
"We're seeing tremendous interest from entrepreneurs who want a proven franchise backed by a recognizable brand and an operating model designed for long-term growth," said Lawrence Brown, chief development officer of Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, who spoke with Chain Store Age last year about the company’s real estate strategy. "Combined with smaller kitchen footprints, low cost of goods sold, no fryer requirements and staffing efficiencies, the model's real estate flexibility allows franchisees to enter and adapt to local markets while benefiting from a straightforward business operation built to scale."
Drive-thru development continues to be a significant growth driver, according to the chain. According to Rita's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, drive-thru shops generated 38% higher average gross sales in 2025 than comparable non-drive-thru locations, highlighting consumers’ desire for convenience.
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"Coming from a finance background and having experience in the restaurant industry, I recognized the potential of the brand immediately and the growth opportunity it presents in the rising frozen treat category," said Wiborg. "Converting former restaurant spaces has allowed us to secure great locations with drive-thrus that position us well in our market to drive sales year-round.”
Founded in 1984, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers customers a wide variety of Italian ices, frozen custards, gelatos, take home treats and more.
