Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard franchise for sale in Red Bank, New Jersey
List Price: $180,000 USD
Key Facts
Annual Gross Revenue
$112,872 USD
Cash Flow
Less than $25,000
Seasonal Business
Yes
Value of Inventory
Upon Inquiry
Value of Assets
$100,000 – $150,000
Year Established
2023
Business Operates From
A retail location
Location Is
Leased
Approx. Monthly Rent
$3,500
Total Employees
Less than 10
1–3 MonthsTransition
Support
SomewhatPrice/Terms
Flexibility
NoneSeller financing Available
Full-timeOwner
Involvement
About this Business
Rita’s Italian Ice located in beautiful Red Bank, New Jersey is for sale. This popular Italian Ice brand is located in a busy, downtown shopping / entertainment district with high visibility and heavy foot traffic. It is conveniently positioned between several dining options, making it very appealing to the after dinner crowd. The courtyard outdoor seating is an added advantage. This location is known for its premium Italian Ice and its clean and bright, family friendly environment. It has established ties with the community and created a loyal customer base.
The business is fully equipped and operational with all necessary equipment and a fully trained staff in place to ensure a seamless transition for the new owner. This prime location in a vibrant downtown area provides a fantastic opportunity for growth and profitability. Ideal for an entrepreneur seeking to own a trusted brand in a high traffic area within the thriving Red Bank, New Jersey area. This franchise represents a smart investment in the specialty dessert market.
Growth opportunities
There are several opportunities for growth, such as: * Full service catering *School fundraisers *Food cart service *Community events
Owner's Day-to-Day Involvement
Owner operator
Asset Description
Peerless-AV Paramount PA750 monitor mount Samsung QB55B series 55” LED backlit display Clover Station Duo with Cash Drawer and Basic Printer P500 Metro Shelving Display Dipping Cabinet, 8 Hole, Straight Glass Decorated Pan Rack System Dipping Cabinet 8 Hole Refrigerator Double-Solid Door 49 cu ft Merchandiser Freezer 1 section, Glass door with display Back Bar Cooler 59” 3’ Low Profile Castor Rail Asber Salad Top Refrigerator 27” Under Counter Freezer 27” Mix n Chill Drink Mixer Foot Pedal Bar B
Inventory Description
Blueberry/Blue Rasp Mix Cherry Mix Chocolate Mix Chocolate Base Cookies n Cream Mix Cotton Candy Mix Green Apple Mix Lemon Mix Mango Mix Mermaid Mix Peeps Mix Sour Blue Mix Swedish Fish Mix Vanilla Mix Watermelon Mix Wild Cherry Mix Almond Roca topping Andes Mint topping Baby Nerds topping Black Cherries topping Caramel topping Chocolate Chip Cookies Choco Chip Cookie Pieces Chocolate Custard Chocolate Sprinkles topping Cold Brew Chopped Reese Pieces topping Cream Ice Gummy Bears topping
Reason for Selling
Retiring
Why I Love My Franchise
Brand identity and support. Brand Loyalty Marketing support
About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Rita’s Italian Ice, founded in 1984 by former firefighter Bob Tumolo, is the largest Italian Ice franchise globally, with over 580 locations across 31 states and internationally. Known for its signature Italian ice made fresh daily with real fruit, Rita’s also offers frozen custard, blended drinks, and specialty desserts like Gelati and Blendini. The brand’s unique product mix and colorful, fun atmosphere have cultivated a loyal following. Rita’s business model emphasizes simple operations with no cooking, low labor costs, and high margins, making it accessible to entrepreneurs. Franchisees benefit from a scalable system with catering and mobile sales opportunities, allowing expansion beyond the storefront. The brand continues to grow under private equity ownership, seeking franchisees to expand its footprint.
Franchisee Support
Rita’s provides comprehensive training covering operations, marketing, and customer service, plus support in site selection, lease negotiation, and grand openings. Franchisees gain access to proprietary recipes, operational systems, and national marketing campaigns. Ongoing assistance includes digital marketing, social media, and loyalty program support. The brand’s simple preparation process reduces complexity, enabling franchisees to hire and train staff efficiently.
Brand Accolades & Awards
Ranked #273 in the 2025 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (up from #424), Rita’s is recognized for its steady growth and strong franchisee satisfaction. It is celebrated for creating a unique niche in the frozen dessert industry and maintaining a cult-like following. The brand’s recognition as a top frozen dessert franchise underscores its market leadership.
Industry / Market
The frozen dessert industry is a nearly $30 billion market, with growing consumer demand for healthier, customizable treats. Rita’s Italian Ice occupies a unique position with its fresh, fat-free, and cholesterol-free products. The brand’s scalability and diverse revenue streams, including catering and mobile events, align with trends favoring convenience and experiential dining, supporting sustained growth.
Ideal Owner
The ideal Rita’s franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur with a minimum net worth of approximately $300,000 and liquid capital around $100,000. Prior foodservice experience is helpful but not required due to the brand’s thorough training and simple operations. Successful owners are community-oriented, customer-focused, and ready to manage a fun, fast-paced retail environment.