Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

For those of us living in the Maryland region, especially in and around Prince George's County, the quest for the perfect frozen treat to beat the heat often leads to one well-known name: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. This beloved chain has established itself as a go-to destination for refreshing and delicious desserts, and the Clinton, MD, location is no exception. Offering a unique blend of smooth Italian Ice and rich frozen custard, Rita's provides a distinct experience that sets it apart from traditional ice cream shops.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is more than just a place to grab a quick snack; it's a part of the summer ritual for many families and individuals. Their commitment to freshness and variety ensures that there's always something new and exciting to try, alongside their well-loved classics. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Rita's experience in Clinton, covering everything from its convenient location and accessibility to the diverse range of treats it offers. While recent customer feedback has touched on aspects of service and product consistency, it's important to understand the full scope of what Rita's brings to the local dessert landscape.

We'll delve into the specifics of their signature Italian Ice, the creamy frozen custard, and the creative ways these two elements are combined into popular menu items like Gelatis and Concretes. For local users, knowing about the variety and accessibility of such a well-known spot is key to making informed choices for their treat cravings. So, get ready to explore what makes Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard a significant player in Maryland's frozen dessert scene.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Clinton is conveniently located at 9101 Kinney Pl, Clinton, MD 20735, USA. This address places it within a commercial area that is easily accessible for residents of Clinton and surrounding communities in Prince George's County. Kinney Place is typically part of a local commercial hub, suggesting good visibility and ease of navigation for those driving.

The accessibility of this location is a key benefit for customers. Being situated in a commercial center often means there's ample parking available, allowing for a quick and convenient stop. While specific details on the parking lot size or public transportation options aren't always provided for every individual franchise location, most Rita's establishments are designed for drive-up and walk-up service with customer parking in mind. This ensures that patrons can easily pull in, get their refreshing treats, and continue with their day without undue hassle.

Furthermore, Clinton is a well-established community within Maryland, making this Rita's location easily reachable for a broad segment of the local population. Whether you're coming from nearby residential neighborhoods, on your way home from work, or planning a weekend outing with family, the Kinney Place address provides a straightforward destination for satisfying your frozen treat cravings. Its presence in a local commercial area also means it's likely integrated into the daily routines of many residents, serving as a convenient and familiar spot for a sweet break.

In essence, the location on Kinney Place in Clinton ensures that Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a highly accessible and practical choice for anyone in the Maryland region seeking a cool and delicious escape.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard specializes in a variety of refreshing and creamy frozen treats, with their core offerings being Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, and numerous combinations of the two. Their menu is extensive, catering to a wide range of tastes:

• Italian Ice: A sweet, smooth frozen treat made fresh daily on location and hand-scooped to order. They offer a vast array of flavors, including seasonal and limited-time options. Popular flavors include classics like Mango, Strawberry, and Lemon.
• Frozen Custard: Their award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard is rich and creamy, made with high-quality ingredients. It serves as a decadent base for many of their specialty creations.
• Gelati: Rita's signature treat, combining the best of both worlds with alternating layers of their famous Italian Ice and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. They also offer a 5-Layer Gelati for an extra treat, served in a clear cup.
• Concretes: These are blends of their Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard with delicious toppings. Popular concrete flavors include Oreo Cookies n' Cream, Reese's Peanut Butter Mudslide, Strawberry Shortcake, and Birthday Cake. Customers can also create their own.
• Blendini®: A blended treat featuring Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, your favorite Italian Ice, and a delicious topping.
• Milkshakes: Made with rich and creamy custard, blended in a variety of unique flavors and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Examples include Oreo Cookies n' Cream Milkshake and Peanut Butter Mudslide Milkshake.
• Sundaes: Featuring their creamy Frozen Custard topped with various sauces and toppings. Options include Reese's Peanut Butter Mudslide Sundae, Rainbow Sundae, and customizable sundaes with two toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry.
• Blenders (Drinks):
  • Gelati Blender: Your favorite flavor of Italian Ice blended with Vanilla or Chocolate Custard Mix, serving as a drinkable Gelati.
  • Ice Blender: Your favorite flavor of Italian Ice blended into a cool and flavorful drink.
  • Frozen Coffee: Cold Brew Frozen Coffee available in original Cold Brew, Caramel, and Mocha.
  • Frozen Lemonade: Portable refreshment available in classic Lemon, Strawberry, and Mango flavors.
• Freezer Fillers: Options to take home, such as 3-quart bundles of Italian Ice or Frozen Custard Pints.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that draw in customers, despite some recent operational feedback.

• Signature Italian Ice: Rita's is renowned for its "famous Italian Ice – a sweet, smooth frozen treat made fresh daily on location and hand scooped to order." This signature product is a core draw, offering a lighter, fruitier alternative to traditional ice cream.
• Creamy Frozen Custard: Complementing their Italian Ice, Rita's offers "award winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard" which is described as "rich and creamy – made with high quality ingredients." The combination of these two distinct frozen treats allows for unique and satisfying flavor and texture experiences.
• Innovative Combinations (Gelati, Concrete, Blendini®): The ability to combine Italian Ice and Frozen Custard in various forms like the layered Gelati, the blended Concrete (custard with mix-ins), and the Blendini® (ice, custard, and topping blended) is a major highlight. These creative offerings allow for customizable and complex flavor profiles that appeal to a wide audience.
• Extensive Flavor Variety: With a wide array of Italian Ice and custard flavors, plus numerous topping and mix-in options, customers have endless possibilities for creating their perfect treat. This variety encourages repeat visits as patrons explore new combinations.
• Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings: Rita's frequently introduces seasonal flavors and limited-time specials, keeping the menu exciting and giving customers a reason to return regularly. This dynamic menu helps maintain interest and engagement.
• Portability and Refreshment: Many of their products, especially the Italian Ice and Blenders, are designed for "on-the-go refreshment," making them ideal for a quick cool-down on a hot day. The general consensus is that their products are perfect for "beating the heat."

For those in the Maryland area looking to enjoy the refreshing treats at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Clinton, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 9101 Kinney Pl, Clinton, MD 20735, USA

Phone: (301) 877-2422

Mobile Phone: +1 301-877-2422

The listed phone numbers provide convenient ways to reach out for inquiries regarding current operating hours, specific flavor availability, or any other questions before visiting. While Rita's locations typically operate with seasonal hours, this Clinton location generally adheres to hours like Monday-Sunday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST during its open season. It's always a good practice to confirm current hours, especially during off-peak months or holidays.

The shop also offers various service options, including in-store pickup, in-restaurant takeaway, and curbside pickup, providing flexibility for customers to enjoy their treats. Additionally, Rita's offers catering options for events, which can be arranged by preordering and picking up, or scheduling drop-off with complete setup, serving, and cleanup, demonstrating a wider range of services beyond just counter sales.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Clinton is a highly suitable destination for locals in the Maryland region, particularly in Prince George's County, for several key reasons, despite some recent critical feedback. Fundamentally, Rita's fills a unique niche in the local dessert market by specializing in Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. For Marylanders seeking a refreshing alternative to traditional ice cream, particularly on hot and humid days, Rita's signature Italian Ice is an ideal solution. Its smooth, fruit-forward profile provides a lighter, yet equally satisfying, sweet treat.

The extensive menu and customization options are also a significant draw for locals. The ability to combine Italian Ice with creamy frozen custard in Gelatis, or blend custard with various toppings in Concretes, offers endless possibilities for personalized treats. This variety ensures that every family member, regardless of their specific preference, can find something they love, making Rita's a versatile choice for group outings or individual indulgence. The availability of seasonal and limited-time flavors also keeps the offerings fresh and exciting, encouraging repeat visits from curious locals.

While recent customer reviews have highlighted concerns regarding portion sizes and customer service, it's important to recognize that these can be isolated incidents or specific to certain staff members. The core appeal of Rita's, rooted in its unique product offerings and wide variety, continues to make it a popular choice. For a quick, convenient, and refreshingly different frozen dessert experience, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard remains a valuable part of the local community landscape in Clinton, providing a beloved option for cooling down and enjoying a sweet moment.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

9101 Kinney Pl, Clinton, MD 20735, USA