Rita’s Italian Ice Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Rita’s Italian Ice was founded in 1984 by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, who started the business on his front porch and named it after his wife, Rita.
The brand began franchising soon after its launch, gaining popularity for its unique Italian ice and frozen custard treats.
Headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, Rita’s has grown significantly, with locations in over 30 states. The franchise remains a leader in the frozen dessert market, known for its refreshing, high-quality offerings.
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Rita’s Italian Ice Franchise Initial Investment
It costs on average between $22,000 – $643,000 to start a Rita’s Italian Ice franchised restaurant.
This includes construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee leases or purchases the property. Rita’s Italian Ice offers 5 types of franchises:
| Rita’s Shop Type | Initial Investment (Low) | Initial Investment (High) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Unit | $21,600 | $175,000 |
| Satellite Shop | $131,550 | $298,500 |
| Express Shop | $199,005 | $558,504 |
| Standard Shop (with drive-thru) | $456,858 | $905,536 |
| Standard Shop (without drive-thru) | $315,233 | $770,542 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Standard Rita’s Italian Ice Shop (with drive-thru) franchise. For more information on the various types of franchises and their costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Lease Deposit | $0-$12,500 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $212,086-$400,000 |
| Equipment | $123,500-$230,000 |
| Permits & Licenses | $3,042-$10,000 |
| Signage | $19,160-$88,781 |
| Insurance | $200-$3,920 |
| Initial Order | $8,000-$17,500 |
| Minimum New Shop Marketing Expenditure | $12,000 |
| Training | $50-$5,000 |
| Architect and Attorney Fees | $23,820-$60,835 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $20,000-$30,000 |
| TOTAL | $456,858-$905,536 |
Rita’s Italian Ice Franchise Average Revenue (AUV)
A Rita’s Italian Ice franchised restaurant makes on average $349,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $515,000 yearly revenue for similar ice cream franchises. Below are 10 Rita’s Italian Ice competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Rita’s Ice Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Rita’s Italian Ice locations are there?
As of the latest data, Rita’s Italian Ice operates a total of 569 locations. Of these, 564 are franchised units, while 5 are company-owned.
What is the total investment required to open a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise?
The total investment required to open a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise ranges from $22,000 to $906,000 for the Standard Rita’s Italian Ice Shop (with drive-thru).
What are the ongoing fees for a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise?
Rita’s Italian Ice franchisees are required to pay a 6.5% royalty fee on gross sales. Additionally, there is a marketing fee of 5% of gross sales, which includes contributions towards national and local advertising efforts.
What are the financial requirements to become a Rita’s Italian Ice franchisee?
To become a Rita’s Italian Ice franchisee, you must meet specific financial requirements. These include having a minimum net worth of $300,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid assets. These criteria ensure that franchisees are financially prepared to handle the initial investment,
How much can a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise are approximately $0.35 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.35 million yearly revenue can result in $53,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Rita’s Italian Ice?
Rita’s Ice franchise is owned by Maple Park Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer businesses. In January 2025, Maple Park Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Rita’s, which operates over 575 locations across 30 states.
Disclaimer
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