Model posts double-digit year-over-year progress, launches new franchise incentives and accelerates Sunbelt enlargement
Philadelphia, PA (Restaurant Information Launch) Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is getting into 2026 with robust momentum following a record-setting 12 months marked by accelerated franchise progress, new incentive applications and a significant systemwide milestone. The model closed 2025 having surpassed 600 areas worldwide, reinforcing its place as the most important Italian Ice idea on this planet and setting the stage for continued enlargement within the 12 months forward.
In 2025, Rita’s opened 35 new outlets systemwide! U.S. openings elevated 10% year-over-year and new unit signings grew by almost 10% year-over-year. The model additionally earned a number of business accolades, together with placement on the Restaurant Enterprise Prime 500 (#211), QSR’s 16 Greatest Franchise Offers for 2025, and the Franchise Occasions Prime 400 (#232).
“Our focus in 2025 was constructing smarter, not simply greater,” mentioned Linda Chadwick, CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “We leaned into codecs, incentives and markets that assist franchisees open sooner, function extra effectively and carry out stronger over time. That technique is paying off as we head into 2026.”
Drive-thru growth emerged as considered one of Rita’s strongest progress drivers in 2025. Throughout the system, drive-thru areas are delivering over 30% increased efficiency in comparison with non-drive-thru outlets, fueled by higher throughput, comfort for households and prolonged working seasons in colder climates.
That efficiency hole knowledgeable the launch of Rita’s new Drive-Via Incentive Program (DTIP), launched within the fourth quarter of 2025 to speed up new-build growth.
For 2026 new drive-thru builds, certified franchisees could obtain $50,000–$60,000 in whole contributions, together with:
- $40,000 in money contributions
- $10,000 towards drive-thru tools
- $10,000 early development begin “kicker” incentive for tasks that break floor by April 15, 2026
- A Presidents Circle journey to a tropical vacation spot in February 2027 for qualifying franchisees
With DTIP in place, Rita’s is concentrating on 25 new drive-thru openings in 2026, representing a fivefold improve from prior years. The model additionally introduced 2027 new-build incentives, providing as much as $35,000 in whole contributions for drive-thru areas opening by Could 31, 2027.
“These incentives replicate our confidence within the mannequin and our dedication to sharing that upside with franchisees,” mentioned Lawrence Brown, Rita’s chief growth officer. “Drive-thrus are performing higher, and we wish to assist operators seize that chance.”
Rita’s continued to deepen its footprint in high-growth markets all through 2025, with new store openings throughout the Southeast, Texas and Mid-Atlantic, together with the model’s first-ever location in Louisiana. The enlargement displays Rita’s concentrate on warm-weather and family-driven markets the place its mannequin can ship longer working seasons and stronger year-round demand.
Development was additional supported by a rise in multi-unit and space growth agreements, signaling rising curiosity from skilled operators looking for scalable platforms. These efforts have been paired with Rita’s continued emphasis on versatile prototypes and adaptive reuse of second-generation actual property, permitting franchisees to enter new markets extra effectively and cost-effectively. Collectively, these initiatives laid the groundwork for the model’s company seeding and clustered growth technique getting into 2026.
In 2025, Rita’s accomplished a strategic company acquisition of shops in Savannah, Georgia, permitting the model to function choose areas instantly as a part of a market-seeding technique. Insights from these company operations can be used to strengthen franchise assist, refine web site choice and inform future growth selections.
Constructing on that basis, Rita’s is making ready to launch 5 new drive-thru areas throughout North Texas in 2026, marking the model’s largest multi-site conversion initiative up to now. Every web site, a second-generation drive-thru property, can be transformed right into a Rita’s store and can anchor key progress markets together with Dallas-Fort Price and Waco.
“Texas continues to face out as a market the place our drive-thru mannequin performs exceptionally effectively,” mentioned Lawrence. “By establishing a significant presence by means of company seeding, we are able to construct model consciousness, optimize web site choice and finally create stronger alternatives for future multi-unit franchise operators.”
Rita’s continues to judge extra second-generation drive-thru alternatives throughout the Sunbelt and SEC areas as a part of its long-term growth plan.
Rita’s management group expanded in 2025 with the addition of Lawrence Brown as chief growth officer and Craig Prusher as chief authorized officer. These appointments strengthened the model’s infrastructure to assist franchise progress, growth incentives and market enlargement.
With roughly 45 extra openings projected for 2026, expanded incentive applications and a growth pipeline targeted on drive-thru efficiency and good actual property methods, Rita’s enters the brand new 12 months positioned for sustained progress.
Potential franchisees and property house owners desirous about alternatives of their space can go to OwnARitasFranchise.com and fill out a brief contact type.
About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doorways in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in 1984, and has been devoted to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now the most important Italian Ice idea on this planet with greater than 600 outlets, Rita’s was ranked No. 211 on Restaurant Enterprise’s 2024 Prime 500 record, becoming a member of the ranks of the business’s most influential restaurant ideas nationwide. Friends around the globe go to Rita’s to have a good time their on a regular basis moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled ambiance. Recognized for its well-known Italian Ice, made day by day with actual fruit, and signature Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a style of happiness with every scrumptious deal with. Because the model continues to develop, Rita’s is actively looking for passionate franchise house owners who wish to carry its beloved treats to extra communities. For extra data on franchise alternatives, go to OwnARitasFranchise.com or name 267-751-5184.
Contact:
Betsy DeMik
Champion
972-930-9933
bdemik@championmgt.com
