Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

A sweet new chapter has begun in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with the opening of Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard on Burton Street. This is more than just another dessert shop; it's a unique and welcome addition to the local food scene, bringing a taste of a beloved national brand to our community. With a menu centered around two distinct and delicious frozen treats—their famous Italian Ice and rich, creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard—Rita's offers a new way for Michiganders to satisfy their sweet cravings, all year round.

The core of Rita's appeal lies in its dual identity. The Italian Ice, made fresh daily on-site, is a sweet, smooth, and refreshing frozen treat with a texture that is a delightful surprise. It's a different kind of frozen dessert than what many locals may be used to, and it's perfect for a warm Michigan day. The other half of the equation is their award-winning Frozen Custard. It's a rich and creamy delight, made with high-quality ingredients, and offers a decadent contrast to the lightness of the Italian Ice. The genius of Rita's, and what truly sets them apart, is their ability to combine these two treats in a variety of ways, creating unique and popular offerings that you can't find just anywhere.

Owned by Brian Holt and Gaby Gutierrez, who also operate a location in Holland, this Grand Rapids spot is a testament to their passion for bringing joy to the neighborhood. Their commitment to creating a special experience for customers is evident in the friendly and accommodating nature of their team. This new location, with its pleasant outdoor ordering window, is a perfect spot for locals to visit and enjoy a fun and delicious treat, whether they are a long-time fan of the brand or a first-time visitor.

Location and Accessibility

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is conveniently located at 2457 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, a prime spot within the Breton Village area. This new addition to Brenton Village is easily accessible for residents of Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities. The location on a major street means it's simple to find, and its presence in a bustling area makes it a great stop during a shopping trip or after a meal.

For customers, the outdoor order window is a pleasant way to get your treats in the warm weather, providing a fun and classic walk-up experience. The store's hours, from noon to 8 p.m. daily, make it an accessible option for an afternoon snack or an early evening dessert. While the outdoor-focused setup might pose a challenge in the depths of a Michigan winter, the ability to take pints of custard home ensures that the deliciousness can be enjoyed year-round.

Services Offered

Rita's offers an exciting and diverse menu that goes far beyond a simple scoop, providing a range of creative options that combine their two signature products.

• Italian Ice: Made fresh daily with real fruit, the famous Italian Ice is a sweet, smooth, and flavorful frozen treat. With over 80 rotating flavors to choose from, there is always a new and interesting option to try. They also offer sugar-free Italian Ice, providing a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

• Frozen Custard: The award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard is a rich, creamy, and decadent treat. It can be enjoyed on its own in a cup or cone, or as the base for a variety of specialty desserts.

• Gelati: Rita's signature treat, the Gelati, is the perfect combination of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, served in alternating layers. This is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the best of both worlds in a single, delicious cup. They also offer a 5-Layer Gelati for an even more decadent experience.

• Blends and Concretes: For those who love a blended treat, the Blendini is a mix of frozen custard, Italian ice, and toppings. The Concrete is a thick and creamy creation where frozen custard is blended with various toppings like Oreos or Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, creating a dense and rich dessert.

• Take-Home Options: For those who want to enjoy the goodness at home, Rita's offers pints of their delicious Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, perfect for stocking the freezer and enjoying whenever a craving strikes. This is especially convenient during colder months when a visit to the outdoor window might be less appealing.

Features and Highlights

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a standout in the local dessert scene due to its unique offerings and customer-centric approach.

• Unique Menu Offerings: The combination of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard is a unique concept in the Grand Rapids area. This dual focus allows for a variety of treats that cater to different preferences, from the light and refreshing Italian Ice to the rich and creamy custard.

• Rotating Flavors: With over 80 flavors of Italian Ice in their library, the menu is constantly changing and evolving. This rotating selection ensures that every visit is a new experience and keeps customers coming back to try the latest seasonal or limited-time offerings.

• Quality Ingredients: The commitment to making Italian Ice fresh daily and using high-quality ingredients in their frozen custard is a major highlight. This dedication to quality is evident in the rich taste and smooth texture of their products.

• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the friendly and accommodating nature of the team, including the owner, Brian. This welcoming atmosphere makes the experience even more enjoyable and helps build a loyal customer base.

• Community-Oriented Business: As a new business to the area, the owners have made it clear that they are committed to creating something special for the neighborhood. This community-focused mindset, along with their grand opening giveaways and events, shows a dedication to becoming a part of the local fabric.

Contact Information

For more information on their current flavors or to inquire about their services, you can contact the Grand Rapids location directly.

Address: 2457 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA

Phone: (616) 284-8654

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For the residents of Grand Rapids and the wider Michigan region, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a fantastic new option for dessert lovers. It provides a unique and exciting alternative to traditional ice cream shops with its creative menu and high-quality products. The combination of refreshing Italian Ice and decadent frozen custard offers something for every palate, whether you're a fan of layered Gelatis or a creamy milkshake.

The location in Breton Village makes it a convenient stop, and the friendly, community-oriented service ensures a pleasant experience every time. The ability to take home pints of your favorite treats also makes it a great choice for year-round enjoyment, even during the cold Michigan winters. As a new and vibrant addition to the neighborhood, Rita's has all the ingredients to become a beloved local favorite, bringing a little bit of happiness and a lot of flavor to the Grand Rapids community.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

2457 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA