The new owner of Trevose-based Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is looking to open 40 shops this year, with additional openings planned for 2026, to have 800 locations nationwide within the next five years, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
In an effort to grow the brand’s reach, the dessert maker has also teamed up with Bird Gang Spirits, the Eagles-themed liquor brand from Botld, to introduce limited edition mango and black cherry-flavored vodkas.
This is the second time the company has entered the alcoholic beverage market, following a beer line created in partnership with Neshaminy Creek Brewing and inspired by iconic water ice flavors.
So far this year, Rita’s has opened 22 new stores, with another 18 scheduled to open before the end of December, bringing the total to over 600 nationwide. Next year, the company plans to open between 45 and 50 new shops and intends to maintain that pace until it reaches around 800 locations, which is expected by 2030.
Rita’s CEO, Linda Chadwick, said she would like to eventually increase the company’s growth rate.
Read more about Rita’s national growth strategy and its latest foray into the alcoholic beverage market in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
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