Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Welcome to the sweetest spot in Hershey, Pennsylvania! While the town is famous for chocolate, locals know there's another delicious frozen treat that brings joy to the community. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has become a beloved fixture, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a delightful treat any time of year. With a legacy that began on a front porch in a Philadelphia suburb, Rita's has grown into a cherished Pennsylvania institution. This article is your guide to everything you need to know about this local gem, from its menu of "Ice, Custard, Happiness" to its convenient location. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer looking for a cool treat, Rita's provides a classic, friendly experience that's all about making memories.

The philosophy behind Rita's is simple: provide super-friendly service and a fantastic treat experience. It's a place where families can celebrate special moments and neighbors can connect over a shared love for delicious desserts. The company takes pride in its roots and its commitment to serving the community, and you can feel that welcoming atmosphere the moment you step up to the window. The menu is built around two core items—the smooth, sweet Italian ice and the rich, creamy frozen custard. The combination of these two is what truly makes Rita's special, offering a unique texture and flavor that stands out from other frozen dessert shops.

Rita's commitment to quality is evident in their process. Their famous Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site at each location, ensuring you get the best possible flavor and texture every time. With a rotating selection of over 95 flavors, there's always something new to try. From classic favorites like Mango and Cherry to more unique seasonal flavors, the variety keeps things interesting. This dedication to freshness and variety has earned Rita's a loyal following across Pennsylvania and beyond. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition for many, a sign of spring, and a surefire way to lift your spirits. The rich, old-fashioned frozen custard is also made with high-quality ingredients, resulting in a dense and creamy treat that complements the Italian ice perfectly. The result is a taste that is both nostalgic and completely satisfying.

Beyond the core products, Rita's has expanded its offerings to include a variety of creative combinations and specialty items. The menu is designed to cater to every taste and craving, whether you're in the mood for a simple scoop or a decadent, layered creation. This evolution from a single product to a full-fledged dessert destination has allowed Rita's to maintain its relevance and continue to delight new generations of customers. The brand's focus on happiness and community is woven into every aspect of the business, from the carefully crafted treats to the friendly service. This local connection is a big part of what makes Rita's a go-to spot for so many people.

In fact, the brand's history is deeply intertwined with Pennsylvania itself. The first Rita's was opened in 1984 by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, who wanted to offer the highest-quality Italian ice to his community. He named the shop after his wife, Rita, and the rest is history. From those humble beginnings on a front porch, Rita's has become a national franchise with hundreds of locations, yet it has never lost its local charm. The First Day of Spring free Italian ice tradition is a testament to this, with the company celebrating the start of the season with its customers for over 25 years. This connection to its roots and its customers is what makes Rita's so much more than just a business. It’s a part of the local fabric, a place where people can create new traditions and revisit old ones, all while enjoying a delicious and refreshing treat.

For many Pennsylvanians, a trip to Rita's is a rite of passage. It’s where you go after a little league game, a day at the park, or just because. The bright, cheerful colors and the promise of a cold treat are instantly recognizable. The rotating flavors, which you can often check online or by calling ahead, keep people coming back to see what’s new. While popular flavors like Mango and Cherry are often available, discovering a new limited-time flavor is part of the fun. This dynamic menu ensures that even the most loyal customer can find a new favorite. The community-oriented approach, combined with the delicious products, makes Rita’s a true local favorite.

One of the things that makes Rita's so special is the variety of treats it offers. While Italian ice and frozen custard are the stars of the show, it's the creative ways they are combined that truly set Rita's apart. The Gelati, for example, is a signature treat that layers Italian ice and frozen custard for a delightful experience. The Blendini takes it a step further, blending Italian ice, frozen custard, and your favorite toppings into a single, spoonable treat. For those who love a classic, the custard on a cone is an absolute must-have, with a customer review raving about the "great frozen custard" and recommending the "large chocolate frozen custard on a cone" as a "delicious treat on a hot day."

While the reviews are generally positive about the quality of the products, some customers have noted issues with service. A review mentioned an employee who was on their phone while taking an order, which was described as "so unprofessional" and "bad service." It's a reminder that while the product is consistently excellent, the experience can sometimes be affected by a single interaction. However, this seems to be an isolated incident, and the overall consensus is that Rita's is a friendly and welcoming place. The majority of comments focus on the fantastic taste of the treats and the joy they bring.

For anyone in the Hershey area, Rita's is a go-to destination. Its convenient location near a major attraction makes it a perfect stop after a long day of fun. The shop's presence in the heart of Pennsylvania's famous "sweetest place on earth" solidifies its status as a local favorite. With a history tied to the state and a product that consistently delights, it's no wonder Rita's has such a loyal following. It's a place that feels like home, no matter where you're from, and it's a place that will continue to create happy memories for years to come.

When you're a local in Hershey, finding a spot that’s both delicious and a part of the community is important. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard fits this description perfectly. The brand’s roots are in Pennsylvania, and its commitment to local communities shines through. It's a spot you can count on for a quality treat, a friendly face, and a little bit of happiness in every spoonful.

So, the next time you're looking for a cool, sweet treat, consider a visit to Rita's. You'll be supporting a business with a rich history and a passion for making people happy. Whether you opt for a classic Italian ice, a creamy frozen custard, or a mix of both in a Gelati, you’re in for a real treat. It’s a simple pleasure, but it's one that has become a cherished part of the Pennsylvania experience.

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Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is located in the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. You can find this sweet spot at the following address:

100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA

The shop is situated in a highly convenient area, making it a perfect stop after a day spent exploring the town's many attractions.

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• A variety of classic Italian Ice flavors, made fresh daily.
• Rich and creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, available in various sizes and styles.
• Gelati, a signature treat that layers Italian Ice and frozen custard.
• Blendinis, which are a blend of Italian Ice, custard, and your favorite toppings.
• Concretes, a dense, blended custard treat with mix-ins.
• Milkshakes made with their creamy frozen custard.
• Take-home options, including quarts and pints, so you can enjoy your favorites at home.
• Customizable treats with a variety of toppings and mix-ins.
• Limited-time and seasonal flavors to keep the menu fresh and exciting.

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• Known for its unique combination of Italian Ice and frozen custard, a "Best of Both Worlds" experience.
• Over 95 rotating flavors of Italian Ice, ensuring there's always something new to try.
• The brand originated in Pennsylvania, giving it a strong local connection and heritage.
• Famous for its annual "First Day of Spring" free Italian Ice giveaway, a cherished tradition for over 25 years.
• A family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for all ages.
• Commitment to freshness, with all Italian Ice made on-site every single day.

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Address: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA

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For those living in or around Hershey, Pennsylvania, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is more than just a place to get dessert; it’s a local institution. The brand’s deep roots in the state, starting with its first shop in suburban Philadelphia, give it an authentic, hometown feel. This isn't just another chain; it's a place that understands and is part of the community. Locals appreciate the consistently fresh products, especially the Italian Ice that's made on-site every day. The wide variety of flavors, from classic fruit options to rich, creamy custard combinations, means there’s always something to satisfy a craving, no matter how specific.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat after a long day, picking up a quart for a family gathering, or celebrating a special occasion, Rita's provides a reliable and enjoyable experience. The friendly atmosphere and the promise of a delicious, high-quality treat make it a go-to destination. It’s a place that creates happy memories, a spot where you can pause and enjoy a simple pleasure. For these reasons and more, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a staple for Hershey locals—a true taste of "Ice, Custard, Happiness" right in their own backyard.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA