Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

For residents across Pennsylvania, especially those in and around Hanover and the broader York County region, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a name synonymous with refreshing cool treats and cherished memories. Since its founding in 1984 by former Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo, Rita's has grown into a beloved chain, celebrated for its unique blend of smooth Italian ice and rich, creamy frozen custard. The Hanover location offers a delightful escape from the everyday, providing a vibrant and friendly atmosphere where locals can indulge in a wide array of flavors and creative dessert combinations.

This isn't just an ordinary ice cream shop; Rita's specializes in a distinct type of frozen dessert that sets it apart. Their Italian ice, often referred to as "water ice" in its Philadelphia-area birthplace, is made fresh daily with real fruit, offering a lighter and more intensely flavored alternative to traditional ice cream. Paired with their old-fashioned frozen custard, made with high-quality ingredients, Rita's creates signature treats like the famous Gelati and Blendini that have garnered a loyal following. For those in Pennsylvania seeking to cool down on a warm day or simply enjoy a sweet pick-me-up, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Hanover promises a satisfying and delightful experience that embodies their motto: "Ice, Custard, Happiness."

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Hanover, PA, is conveniently located at 110 Hickory Ln, Hanover, PA 17331, USA. This address places it within easy reach for residents of Hanover and surrounding communities in York County, such as Spring Grove, New Oxford, and Littlestown. Hickory Lane is typically a well-known local thoroughfare, making the shop straightforward to find for both dedicated visitors and those passing by.

The accessibility of this Rita's location is generally good. As is common with many suburban businesses, there is usually ample parking available for customers, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Its placement within a local commercial area means it's often part of a larger network of shops and services, making it a convenient stop during errands or family outings. While public transportation options might be more limited compared to densely populated urban centers, the ease of access by car makes it a practical and popular choice for the vast majority of local customers across South Central Pennsylvania looking for a refreshing treat.

Services Offered:

• Italian Ice: A wide and rotating selection of freshly made Italian Ice flavors, including classic fruit flavors (e.g., Cherry, Lemon, Mango, Strawberry), unique blends (e.g., Skittles, Sour Patch Kids), Cream Ice options (e.g., Birthday Cake, Cookies n' Cream), and Sugar-Free Italian Ice choices (e.g., Sugar-Free Cherry, Sugar-Free Mango Peach).
• Frozen Custard: Smooth, creamy, old-fashioned frozen custard available in classic flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and others, often served in a cup or cone, with options for sprinkles or other toppings.
• Gelati: Rita's signature treat, featuring alternating layers of your favorite Italian Ice and creamy Frozen Custard. They also offer a 5-Layer Gelati in a clear cup with an extra layer of custard.
• Blendini®: A customized blended treat made with your choice of Italian Ice, Frozen Custard (or Slenderita®), and various mix-ins like OREO® Cookie Pieces, REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups, and more.
• Misto®: A cool, creamy, and customizable drink that combines your favorite Italian Ice and custard, blended together.
• Slenderita®: A fat-free frozen dessert that is as rich and satisfying as their frozen custard, perfect for those seeking a lighter option.
• Milkshakes: Rich and creamy milkshakes made with their frozen custard and a variety of flavor options.
• Frozen Drinks: Including Ice Blenders (Italian Ice blended into a drink) and Frozen Lemonades (Lemon, Strawberry, Mango flavors).
• Sundaes: Classic sundaes with various toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry, often featuring their delicious frozen custard.
• DQ Cakes: (Note: While Rita's is a distinct brand, the reference in customer reviews to "DQ" might be a misattribution or an internal note for comparison. Rita's primarily offers its own branded ice cream cakes). Rita's does offer its own delicious ice cream cakes, often customizable with Italian ice and custard.
• Pre-Packed Freezer Fillers: Such as quarts of Italian Ice, Frozen Custard Pints, and Custard Cookie Sandwiches for enjoying treats at home.
• Catering Options: Rita's offers catering services, allowing customers to pre-order and pick up, or schedule drop-off with complete setup and service for events.
• Rita's Rewards App: A loyalty program for earning free treats after purchases.

Features / Highlights:

• Signature Treats: Known for its unique combination of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, particularly the popular Gelati and Blendini.
• Freshly Made Italian Ice: Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-location with real fruit, ensuring high quality and intense flavor.
• Wide Variety of Flavors: Offers an extensive and rotating list of Italian Ice flavors (over 90 historically across the brand), including sugar-free options, providing vast choices for customers.
• High Quality Products: Generally praised for "very good" products, such as the chocolate milkshake and Skittles Italian ice.
• Friendly Service: Customers consistently mention that "everyone was nice" and the "place was very clean," contributing to a positive experience.
• Clean Environment: The shop maintains a very clean atmosphere, which is appreciated by visitors.
• Nostalgic Appeal: For many in Pennsylvania, Rita's holds a nostalgic value, having been a popular treat destination since 1984.
• Community Engagement: Rita's locations are known for being community hubs and often engage in fundraising for local sports, health organizations, and schools.

Contact Information:

Address: 110 Hickory Ln, Hanover, PA 17331, USA

Phone: (717) 632-9907

Mobile Phone: +1 717-632-9907

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Hanover, Pennsylvania, is a deeply ingrained local favorite that perfectly caters to the desires of residents across the region. Its convenient location on Hickory Lane ensures easy access, making it a natural stop for a refreshing treat. What truly makes Rita's an ideal choice for locals is its unique product offering: the combination of freshly made, fruit-filled Italian ice and rich, creamy frozen custard that you won't find just anywhere.

While a recent review noted a concern about portion size and pricing for one item, the overwhelming sentiment for Rita's in general, and likely this location, points to consistent quality and a delightful experience. Customers frequently praise the friendly staff and the clean environment, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. For Pennsylvanians seeking a wide variety of refreshing and indulgent frozen desserts, from classic Italian ices to their signature Gelatis, Rita's in Hanover provides a consistent source of "Ice, Custard, and Happiness," firmly establishing itself as a cherished community destination for sweet relief.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

110 Hickory Ln, Hanover, PA 17331, USA