7 Shocking Facts About Rita's Italian Ice In 2025: The New Skittles Flavor And Massive Expansion
The iconic "Ice, Custard, Happiness" brand, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, is experiencing one of its most transformative periods, with major announcements dominating the 2025 season. As of today, December 19, 2025, the biggest news revolves around a viral new flavor collaboration and an aggressive national expansion that is seeing the brand open nearly 40 new locations across the country, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the frozen dessert market.
From its humble beginnings on a front porch in Philadelphia, Rita’s has evolved into a national franchise phenomenon. This article dives deep into the most current and fresh facts about Rita’s, including the biography of its founder, the must-try new menu items, and the insider secrets that keep customers returning to enjoy their famous Italian Ice, also known as "water ice" in its native Philly region.
The Man Behind the Ice: Bob Tumolo's Biography
The story of Rita's Italian Ice is rooted in a simple, family-driven idea by a former civil servant. The company was founded by Bob Tumolo, who named the business after his mother, Rita, and sought to perfect the classic Italian Ice recipe. His journey from local hero to frozen dessert mogul is a testament to the brand's enduring appeal.
- Full Name: Robert "Bob" Tumolo
- Occupation: Former Philadelphia Firefighter
- Founding Year: May 1984
- Founding Location: Bensalem, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Original Concept: Started by selling Italian Ice (or "water ice") from a small window on his front porch
- Inspiration: Used a special, improved recipe from his mother, Rita, and named the business in her honor
- Legacy: Tumolo focused on creating a smoother, softer, and more flavorful product than traditional ices, leading to the creation of the now-famous 95+ rotating flavors
2025’s Biggest News: New Flavors, Free Ice Day, and Massive Franchise Growth
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a landmark year for Rita's, driven by strategic franchise development and highly publicized new menu offerings that capture national attention. The brand is actively expanding its footprint and diversifying its flavor profile.
The Viral Skittles Italian Ice Flavor
The most talked-about addition to the menu for the 2025 season is the Skittles Italian Ice. This collaboration brings the nostalgic, fruity taste of the popular candy into Rita's signature smooth Italian Ice. It's a limited-time offering that has generated significant buzz, allowing customers to enjoy the "taste of the rainbow" in a refreshing frozen format. The new Skittles flavor was prominently featured during the brand's annual spring celebration.
The Return of Free Ice Day
A beloved tradition, Rita's celebrates the arrival of spring with its annual Free Ice Day. In 2025, this highly anticipated event was held on Thursday, March 20th, coinciding with the First Day of Spring. On this day, guests can receive a free Italian Ice, often featuring the newest or most popular flavors, including the Skittles Italian Ice, which debuted during the celebration.
Aggressive National Franchise Expansion
Rita's Italian Ice is not just expanding its menu; it is rapidly growing its physical presence across the United States. The company is on track to open nearly 40 new locations in 2025, demonstrating significant franchise momentum. This growth follows a successful 2024, which saw 39 new openings and expansion into critical new markets. In 2025, the brand continues to target new regions, including Texas and Michigan, bringing its unique "Ice, Custard, Happiness" experience to a broader audience. This success has earned the brand recognition, including a ranking on the prestigious 2025 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list.
Insider Menu Hacks: Decoding the Rita's Frozen Dessert Universe
While Italian Ice is the foundation, Rita's menu is built on a complex layering of textures and flavors. Understanding the core products is the key to unlocking the best "secret menu" combinations that locals and long-time fans swear by. The menu is designed for customization, turning standard items into unique, personalized desserts.
The Core Entities: Ice vs. Custard
Rita's offers two main components: Italian Ice (a smooth, dairy-free, fruit-flavored treat, also known as water ice) and Frozen Custard (a rich, dense, and creamy frozen dessert made with eggs, similar to premium ice cream). The magic happens when these two are combined.
The Three Insider Creations (The "Secret Menu" Hacks)
The most popular creations are not just simple scoops; they are carefully layered desserts that offer a contrasting experience of hot/cold, smooth/creamy, and fruity/rich. These items are the true test of a Rita's fan:
- 1. The Gelati: This is arguably Rita’s signature item. It’s a layered treat consisting of Italian Ice on the bottom, a scoop of creamy Frozen Custard in the middle, and another layer of Italian Ice on top. The combination of the icy, tart fruit with the warm, rich custard is a textural masterpiece.
- 2. The Misto: For those who prefer a drinkable treat, the Misto is the ultimate hack. It is a blend of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, creating a thick, creamy, and flavorful shake that captures the essence of both core products in a single cup.
- 3. The Concrete: This is a must-try for custard lovers. It is a dense blend of Frozen Custard and a mix-in (like cookies, candies, or seasonal toppings). The name "Concrete" comes from its thick consistency—it’s so dense that it can often be held upside down without spilling, a classic frozen custard shop tradition.
Seasonal Offerings and Flavor Diversity
Beyond the core menu, Rita's maintains topical authority by consistently introducing new and exciting seasonal flavors. The brand boasts a rotating selection of over 95 Italian Ice flavors, meaning a customer could visit nearly every day of the summer and try something new.
The seasonal menu is particularly strong in the fall, moving beyond summer fruit ices to embrace autumnal desserts. Recent and planned seasonal offerings for the 2025 late season include fall-themed treats such as Apple Butter, Pumpkin Pie, and Harvest Swirl Concretes. These items, which often feature rich pumpkin chocolate custard and apple flavors, allow Rita's to compete year-round, expanding its appeal beyond just the hot summer months.
The Future of Rita's Italian Ice
With a strong foundation built on a simple, quality product and a clear vision for expansion, the future of Rita’s Italian Ice looks exceptionally bright. The brand's success in 2025, marked by the popular Skittles collaboration and its aggressive franchise growth, confirms its position as a major player in the competitive frozen dessert landscape. By maintaining its commitment to its core product while innovating with new flavors and expanding into new territories, Rita’s continues to deliver on its promise of "Ice, Custard, Happiness" to millions of customers across the nation.
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