Ritas Water Ice
| Type | Water ice and frozen custard |
|---|---|
| Address | Headquarters: Trevose, Pennsylvania (founded in Bensalem) |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Regional chain |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1984 |
| Founder | Bob Tumolo |
| Owner | Branded Foods |
| Hours | Seasonal (varies by location) |
| Products | Italian ice, frozen custard, gelati |
| Status | Active |
Rita's Italian Ice (originally Rita's Water Ice) is a Philadelphia-area chain specializing in Italian water ice and frozen custard, founded in 1984 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania by Bob Tumolo. Named after Tumolo's wife Rita, the chain grew from a single stand to over 600 locations nationwide, bringing Philadelphia's beloved water ice tradition to the rest of America. Rita's is famous for its First Day of Spring promotion and for making Italian water ice a year-round phenomenon. The company represents one of Philadelphia's most successful food exports.[1]
History
Founding (1984)
Bob Tumolo founded Rita's in 1984:
Origins:
- Former Philadelphia firefighter
- Named after his wife, Rita
- First stand in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
- Started as a summertime business
Tumolo recognized the demand for quality Italian water ice.
Early Growth
Rita's expanded throughout the Philadelphia region:
1980s-1990s:
- Additional stands opened
- Franchising began
- Regional recognition grew
- Developed loyal customer base
National Expansion
Rita's grew beyond Philadelphia:
Growth:
- Expanded to other states
- Over 600 locations at peak
- National brand recognition
- Brought Philly water ice nationwide
Corporate Changes
Ownership evolution:
- Originally family-owned
- Various corporate ownership
- Branded Foods*** current ownership
- Renamed from "Water Ice" to "Italian Ice"
The Product
Italian Water Ice
Rita's Italian ice*** (water ice) is the signature:
Characteristics:
- Smooth, frozen texture
- Not shaved ice or snow cones
- Fruit-forward flavors
- Made fresh
Popular flavors:
- Lemon*** - The classic
- Cherry***
- Mango***
- Blue Raspberry***
- Swedish Fish*** - Novelty flavor
- Seasonal rotations***
Frozen Custard
Rita's also serves frozen custard:
Features:
- Richer than soft-serve ice cream
- Egg-based recipe
- Creamy texture
- Vanilla and chocolate
The Gelati
The gelati*** combines both:
What it is:
- Layers of water ice and custard
- Best of both worlds
- Various combinations
- Rita's signature creation
Misto
Misto*** blends the products:
- Water ice and custard blended
- Smoother consistency
- Popular variation
- Multiple flavors
Philadelphia Water Ice Tradition
What Is Water Ice?
Philadelphia "water ice"*** is distinct:
Not the same as:
- Shaved ice (coarser)
- Snow cones (chunky)
- Sorbet (different texture)
- Italian ice from other regions
Philadelphia style:
- Smooth, dense texture
- Intensely flavored
- Frozen but not solid
- Served in cups
Local History
Water ice has deep Philadelphia roots:
- Italian immigrant tradition
- Summer staple since early 1900s
- Neighborhood stands throughout city
- Cultural identifier
Regional Term
"Water ice"*** vs. "Italian ice":
- Philadelphia says:*** Water ice (or "wooder ice")
- Everywhere else says:*** Italian ice
- Rita's marketed as "Italian Ice" for national appeal
- Locals know it's water ice
The Rita's Experience
Seasonal Operation
Many locations operate seasonally:***
- Open in spring
- Peak summer season
- Close in fall
- Some year-round locations
First Day of Spring
Famous promotion:***
- Free Italian ice*** on first day of spring
- Massive lines
- Annual Philadelphia tradition
- National participation
The promotion drives awareness and loyalty.
Ordering
The process: 1. Choose product (water ice, custard, gelati) 2. Select size 3. Pick flavor(s) 4. Enjoy
Customization
Options:
- Mix flavors
- Toppings
- Gelati combinations
- Seasonal specials
Cultural Impact
Summer Tradition
Rita's represents Philadelphia summers:
- After-dinner treat
- Youth sports celebrations
- Beach town presence
- Neighborhood ritual
Export of Philly Culture
Rita's brought Philadelphia water ice nationwide:
- Introduced the product to other regions
- Spread Philadelphia food culture
- Created national awareness
- Ambassador for the city
Competition
Local alternatives exist:
John's Water Ice:***
- South Philadelphia institution
- Considered more authentic by some
- No franchising
Neighborhood stands:***
- Small operators
- Family recipes
- Loyal followings
Expansion
National Reach
Rita's has locations in:
- Pennsylvania (home base)
- New Jersey
- Mid-Atlantic states
- Southeast
- Midwest
- Select locations nationwide
International
Limited international presence:
- Some overseas locations
- Bringing American frozen treat abroad
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:
- Lemon*** is the classic choice
- ***Try a gelati*** for the full experience
- ***First Day of Spring*** - expect lines
- ***Check seasonal hours***
Philadelphia context:
- Rita's is one option; try local stands too
- Real Philadelphians say "water ice"
- Summer is peak season
- Any flavor with custard is good
See Also
References
- ↑ "Rita's Italian Ice". Rita's. Retrieved December 31, 2025