Free Rita's Italian Ice Tuesday Welcomes Spring In Philly/NJ Region

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard will welcome the first day of spring by giving away a tasty treat on Tuesday.

The Bensalem Township-based iconic frozen treats destination —with locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey —is offering a free 6-ounce Italian Ice giveaway in the available flavor of their choice, the company said.

With the giveaway on Tuesday, Rita's is also rolling out a new flavor: Sour Patch Kids Watermelon, a burst of tangy and tart watermelon that will also be featured in gelati and topping Rita's creamy vanilla frozen custard. It will also be offered as an Ice Blender.

Rita’s more than 550 locations are expected to give away approximately 1 million cups of their classic Italian Ice throughout the celebration.

"Our first day of spring giveaway has become a cherished tradition with our guests, and this year, we're elevating the celebration with the exclusive launch of SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Ice,” said Linda Chadwick, Rita's president and chief executive.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 75 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s Blenders, milkshakes, and more.

Originally founded in May 1984 in Bensalem, Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo created his prized family recipe to include real fruit, named the product after his wife Rita, and Rita’s Italian Ice was born.