Signs Of Spring: Rita's Reopening Franchises In Central Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —Forget the groundhog. The way to tell if spring is arriving is when Rita's Italian Ice locations begin to open.

While spring training has started for Major League Baseball this week, another rite of spring is Rita's Italian ices. Throughout the region, these symbols of spring and summer have gotten an early jump on the season.

• The Rita's location at Route 611 and Bristol Road in Warrington reopened for the season on Feb. 10. They are currently collecting pet toys and food through Sunday, Feb. 24. Stop by, drop off a pet item, and receive a discount card for 10 percent off all purchases for the rest of the season.
• Rita's at 29 Easton Road, Warrington, across from the Regal Theatre, reopens on Saturday, Feb. 24. This year they will be supporting a "Hearts for Heroes" fundraiser.
• Rita's at the Cross Keys Place Shopping Center on Swamp Road in Doylestown is scheduled to open on Thursday, Feb 22. "It may be cold and snowy outside, but things are warming up at Rita's of Doylestown. We will be stocked with hot pretzels, cold brewed coffee, our new Strawberries 'N Cream treats and so much more," the store posted on Facebook.
• The Rita's at 3322 Limekiln Pike, Chalfont, is scheduled to reopen on March 1.

The Bensalem Township-based Rita's bills itself as a "one-of-a-kind, delightfully different treat experience," offering Italian (water) ice, custard, ice cream sandwiches, soft pretzels, and other sweet treats at more than 600 locations in 31 states.

Last year, the company expanded with 40 new stores and also opened in three new states.
Rita's Franchise Company, LLC, is a privately owned and operated chain that was founded in Bensalem Township in May 1984 by Bob Tumolo.