Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

In the heart of Maryland, a name synonymous with refreshing and delightful frozen treats is Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. While it has become a well-known chain across the country, the La Plata location holds a special place for many residents, offering a consistent and high-quality experience that locals have come to love. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone in the Maryland area looking to learn more about this popular ice cream shop, from its menu of "ice custard happiness" to its community-focused service. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, you'll find everything you need to know about what makes this specific Rita's a local gem.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is more than just a place to grab a cold dessert. It's a destination where families and friends gather to create lasting memories. The brand's signature is its commitment to freshness, with its famous Italian Ice made daily on-site. This dedication to quality ensures that every scoop or cup is packed with vibrant flavor and the perfect texture. Beyond the ice, the shop offers a rich, creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard that has earned its own loyal following. This combination of smooth, dairy-free Italian Ice and thick, award-winning custard provides a unique dessert experience that sets Rita's apart from traditional ice cream shops. For the people of La Plata and the surrounding Maryland communities, this location provides a perfect escape from the summer heat and a year-round spot to satisfy a sweet tooth.

## Location and Accessibility

The Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard location in La Plata is conveniently situated at 6360 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD 20646, USA. This prime spot on Crain Highway makes it easily accessible for both local residents and those traveling through the area. As Crain Highway is a major artery in La Plata, the shop is easy to find, with clear signage and a welcoming storefront.

For those driving, there is ample parking available, making it a hassle-free stop for a quick treat or a leisurely visit. The location is also well-integrated into the local infrastructure, positioned near other shops and businesses, so you can easily pop in for a dessert after dinner or while running errands. This central location in La Plata means it's a natural gathering point for the community, whether you're coming from home, work, or a local event. The accessibility of this specific Rita's location is a key factor in its popularity, as it’s a simple and straightforward destination to reach.

## Services Offered

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard provides a diverse range of frozen treats and services to cater to every craving and occasion.

• Italian Ice: The cornerstone of the Rita's menu. This signature frozen treat is made fresh daily with real fruit and comes in a wide variety of flavors, from classic cherry and mango to more unique seasonal options. It's a smooth, sweet, and dairy-free delight.
• Frozen Custard: Rich, dense, and incredibly creamy, Rita's award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard is a step above traditional soft-serve ice cream. It's available in vanilla, chocolate, and a twist flavor, providing a perfect base for sundaes or as a delicious treat on its own.
• Gelati: For those who can't choose between ice and custard, the Gelati is the perfect solution. This signature creation features alternating layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, combining the best of both worlds in a single cup.
• Blendini: The ultimate customized treat, a Blendini takes your favorite Italian Ice and Frozen Custard and blends them with a topping of your choice. It's a thick, spoonable dessert with an explosion of textures and flavors.
• Concretes and Sundaes: Rita's offers a variety of specialty concretes and sundaes, featuring rich custard blended or topped with popular candy pieces, sauces, and other mix-ins. These are perfect for a decadent dessert.
• Milkshakes and Frozen Drinks: The menu also includes classic milkshakes made with their creamy frozen custard, as well as refreshing frozen drinks like the Ice Blender, which blends your favorite Italian Ice flavor into a smooth drink.
• Catering: The La Plata Rita's provides catering services, making it the perfect choice for parties, events, and fundraisers. You can choose from various options, including party packs with tubs of Italian Ice or a full-service setup for larger gatherings. They make it easy to bring "ice custard happiness" to your next event.

## Features / Highlights

This particular Rita's location is known for more than just its treats. It's the small details and community-oriented approach that make it a standout destination.

• Exceptional Customer Service: Customer reviews frequently highlight the friendly and welcoming staff at the La Plata location. They are known for greeting customers with a smile and providing excellent service that makes every visit a pleasant one. One customer review specifically mentions how the way the staff treats and greets customers "really stands this location out."
• Dog-Friendly: A unique and heartwarming feature is the shop's dog-friendly policy. They welcome four-legged friends and even offer a small cup of vanilla custard, often called a "pup cup," upon request. This makes it an ideal spot to stop with your pet after a walk.
• Variety of Treats: The menu is a highlight in itself. With a massive rotation of over 40 Italian Ice flavors, there's always something new to try. They also offer sugar-free options and a variety of custard-based desserts, ensuring there's a perfect treat for every taste and dietary need.
• Community Engagement: The La Plata Rita's is actively involved in the local community, offering catering and fundraising opportunities for local schools, sports teams, and other organizations. They are a locally owned and operated business that truly values being a part of the La Plata community.
• Seasonal Offerings: While some locations may have a limited menu, this Rita's keeps things exciting with a constantly changing selection of seasonal flavors and limited-time treats. This encourages repeat visits and gives customers a reason to come back and see what's new.

## Contact Information

Address: 6360 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD 20646, USA

Phone: (301) 576-8286

## Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For the residents of La Plata and the wider Maryland region, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is more than a dessert shop—it's a community fixture. The location’s commitment to quality, its broad menu of delicious frozen treats, and its consistently praised customer service make it a reliable and cherished destination. The local focus is evident in everything they do, from the warm welcome you receive at the counter to their willingness to support local events and causes. It’s a place where you can count on a friendly face and a delightful dessert, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a warm afternoon.

The combination of creamy frozen custard and refreshing Italian ice provides a perfect treat for any time of year. The affordability and variety make it a great option for families, while the friendly atmosphere ensures that every visitor feels at home. As one happy customer noted, "We love this place, the reasonable price, and the delicious ice cream." The La Plata Rita's stands out from other locations due to its exceptional service and a strong connection to its community. It’s a place that not only serves "ice custard happiness" but also fosters a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through its doors. For anyone in Maryland looking for a reliable, tasty, and welcoming spot for a frozen treat, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in La Plata is the perfect choice.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

6360 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD 20646, USA