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
[edit | edit source]Founding (1984)
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Rita's expanded throughout the Philadelphia region:
1980s-1990s:
- Additional stands opened
- Franchising began
- Regional recognition grew
- Developed loyal customer base
National Expansion
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Ownership evolution:
- Originally family-owned
- Various corporate ownership
- Branded Foods*** current ownership
- Renamed from "Water Ice" to "Italian Ice"
The Product
[edit | edit source]Italian Water Ice
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Rita's also serves frozen custard:
Features:
- Richer than soft-serve ice cream
- Egg-based recipe
- Creamy texture
- Vanilla and chocolate
The Gelati
[edit | edit source]The gelati*** combines both:
What it is:
- Layers of water ice and custard
- Best of both worlds
- Various combinations
- Rita's signature creation
Misto
[edit | edit source]Misto*** blends the products:
- Water ice and custard blended
- Smoother consistency
- Popular variation
- Multiple flavors
Philadelphia Water Ice Tradition
[edit | edit source]What Is Water Ice?
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Water ice has deep Philadelphia roots:
- Italian immigrant tradition
- Summer staple since early 1900s
- Neighborhood stands throughout city
- Cultural identifier
Regional Term
[edit | edit source]"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
[edit | edit source]Seasonal Operation
[edit | edit source]Many locations operate seasonally:***
- Open in spring
- Peak summer season
- Close in fall
- Some year-round locations
First Day of Spring
[edit | edit source]Famous promotion:***
- Free Italian ice*** on first day of spring
- Massive lines
- Annual Philadelphia tradition
- National participation
The promotion drives awareness and loyalty.
Ordering
[edit | edit source]The process: 1. Choose product (water ice, custard, gelati) 2. Select size 3. Pick flavor(s) 4. Enjoy
Customization
[edit | edit source]Options:
- Mix flavors
- Toppings
- Gelati combinations
- Seasonal specials
Cultural Impact
[edit | edit source]Summer Tradition
[edit | edit source]Rita's represents Philadelphia summers:
- After-dinner treat
- Youth sports celebrations
- Beach town presence
- Neighborhood ritual
Export of Philly Culture
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]National Reach
[edit | edit source]Rita's has locations in:
- Pennsylvania (home base)
- New Jersey
- Mid-Atlantic states
- Southeast
- Midwest
- Select locations nationwide
International
[edit | edit source]Limited international presence:
- Some overseas locations
- Bringing American frozen treat abroad
Tips for Visitors
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Rita's Italian Ice". Rita's. Retrieved December 31, 2025