Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard (originally and informally known as Rita's Water Ice), is a privately owned and operated American quick service restaurant chain originating in the Philadelphia metropolitan area that expanded into 30 states, mostly in the Mid-Atlantic region. The chain is known for its Italian ice or water ice[1] and frozen custard,[2] but also offers multiple types of frozen treats and specialty creations.[3]
Rita's opened its first restaurant in 1984 in Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania, a township outside of Philadelphia, and the company gradually expanded throughout the Philadelphia region before eventually opening locations beyond the Philadelphia area. The company is currently headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania. As of June 13, 2025, the chain has 594[4] restaurants in 30 states.