Bolstered by the signing of more than 30 new shops year to date, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, now with more than 600 locations, is on track to double its 2026 new shop signings. Fueled by entrepreneurs seeking an established, scalable franchise with multiple paths, Rita’s has experienced a 100% increase in franchise ownership inquiries compared with 2025.
Driven by the brand’s real estate strategy, including second-generation restaurant conversions and drive-thru locations, strong unit economics and growing franchise interest in markets where families are moving, the brand is expanding outside of its core Mid-Atlantic market to the Midwest and south-central United States.
“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. “Combined with smaller kitchen footprints, low cost of goods sold (<18% on average), 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.”
First half signings included:
- Mid-Atlantic: Multi-unit developer Disrupt Foods (40+ unit franchisee) announced plans to open three new locations in Brockton, Massachusetts; Clifton, New Jersey and Newark, New Jersey.
- Midwest: Multi-unit franchisee Jim Myers opened multiple Ohio locations, with two additional shops planned for the Cleveland market this year, bringing his total to nearly 10 units.
- South-central: 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.
Rita’s is actively seeking qualified franchise owners in available markets across the United States.
