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The Greater Cincinnati area is about to get a little sweeter! A Pennsylvania-based Italian ice shop is set to open three locations in the region this year.
Rita’s Italian Ice, known for its tasty Italian ice confections and frozen custard, will open locations in Sharonville, West Chester and Florence, Kentucky, Carly Hutter, public relations coordinator for Alliance Marketing Partners, told The Enquirer.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new locations, including their projected opening dates.
Who is Rita? How the Italian ice shop got its start
Yes, Rita is a real person. The story of Rita began in the summer of 1984 when Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, decided to open a small Italian ice business to augment his income. He opened his first location in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and named the business after his wife, Rita.
After four decades, the shop has expanded, opening 595 stores across 30 states, including three all-new locations coming to Greater Cincinnati this year.
From Italian ice to gelati. See what Rita’s has to offer
Whether you’re craving soft custard or a chilling ice dessert, Rita’s has flavors for everyone. According to Rita’s website, it has a rotating selection of over 95 flavors.
It also offers its famous Italian ice (a frozen dessert similar to sorbet, but with a coarser texture). Italian ice is primarily made from water, sugar and fruit or fruit juice. The chain makes its Italian ice fresh daily with real fruit, per Rita’s website.
Rita’s also serves frozen custard, gelati (layers of Italian Ice and custard), Blendinis (a blend of custard and Italian ice), concretes (creamy, thick custard loaded with toppings), milkshakes, take-home treats and more.
Projected opening dates for Rita’s Italian Ice locations in Greater Cincinnati
Three all-new Rita’s Italian Ice locations are coming to Greater Cincinnati. Below are their projected opening dates and store hours, according to Hutter.
7220 Burlington Pike, Florence, Kentucky.Projected opening: Winter 2025.Projected shop hours: 2 to 8 p.m.3327 Creek Road in Sharonville.Projected opening: August 2025.Projected shop hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.7734 Liberty Field Drive in West Chester.Projected opening: Winter 2025.Projected shop hours: 2 to 8 p.m.