Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the vibrant State College area, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has become a recognizable name associated with refreshing, unique frozen treats. What started in Bensalem, PA, in 1984, with a commitment to spreading "Ice, Custard, Happiness!", has grown into the largest Italian Ice concept globally, bringing its distinctive flavors and creamy delights to communities like ours. This State College location of Rita's offers a delightful escape from the everyday, providing a wide array of options that cater to various tastes and preferences.

Rita's distinguishes itself by focusing on two core products: its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, and its rich, creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. This unique combination allows for a variety of creative concoctions, from their signature layered Gelati to the blended goodness of a Blendini®. For Pennsylvanians looking for something different from traditional ice cream, Rita's provides a refreshing and often lighter alternative, or a more decadent, creamy experience with their custard. The extensive range of flavors, with over 80 rotating options for Italian Ice, means there's always something new to discover on every visit.

While some customer experiences can, at times, vary in terms of service and order accuracy, the fundamental appeal of Rita's lies in its innovative menu and dedication to offering a unique frozen dessert experience. The brand's commitment to daily fresh Italian Ice and high-quality frozen custard aims to deliver a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. This focus on distinctive products helps Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard stand out as a go-to spot for cooling down and indulging in State College, PA.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in State College, PA, is conveniently located at 1609 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803, USA. North Atherton Street is a major commercial artery in State College, known for its various shops, restaurants, and businesses. This prominent location ensures excellent visibility and ease of access for both local residents and visitors to the area, including students and faculty of Penn State University.

The address on North Atherton Street makes it straightforward to reach by car from different parts of State College and surrounding communities within Centre County. As a quick-service frozen treat establishment, Rita's typically provides ample parking for its customers, allowing for convenient stop-ins. While specific details about parking and drive-thru options should be confirmed on site, the location along a busy thoroughfare suggests high accessibility. Its operating hours, generally from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily, also provide broad availability for patrons seeking a refreshing treat throughout the afternoon and evening. This accessibility makes Rita's a practical and appealing choice for anyone looking to quickly satisfy their craving for Italian Ice or frozen custard in State College.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers a diverse and appealing menu built around its two signature products: freshly made Italian Ice and creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard.

• Italian Ice:

  • Made fresh daily on-site.

  • Features a rotating daily selection from over 80 potential flavors, including fruit-based (e.g., Cherry, Root Beer, Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry) and unique options (e.g., Gummy Bear, Skittles). Also includes Cream Ice (like Birthday Cake) and Sugar-Free options (e.g., Dragonfruit, Pink Lemonade).

• Frozen Custard:

  • Award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, known for its rich and creamy texture.

  • Available in classic Vanilla and Chocolate daily, with other occasional flavors like Banana and Strawberry.

• Signature Treats Combining Ice & Custard:

  • Gelati: Rita's signature treat, featuring alternating layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. Also available as a 5-Layer Gelati for an extra layer of custard.

  • Blendini®: A blended treat combining Frozen Custard, Italian Ice, and a topping. One customer had an issue with toppings not being included.

  • Concrete: A thick blended treat featuring Frozen Custard mixed with various candies, cookies, or fruit fillings (e.g., Oreo® Cookies n' Cream, Reese's Peanut Butter Mudslide, Apple Pie, Birthday Cake, Strawberry Shortcake).

• Beverages & Blended Drinks:

  • Shakes & Specialty Milkshakes: Made with rich and creamy custard, blended in unique flavors with whipped cream and a cherry.

  • Ice Blender: Your favorite Italian Ice blended into a cool, refreshing drink.

  • Gelati Blender: A drinkable version of the Gelati, blending Italian Ice with Vanilla or Chocolate Custard Mix.

  • Frozen Coffee & Frozen Lemonade: Additional refreshing drink options.

• Other Desserts:

  • Sundaes: Create your own sundae with two toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry.

  • Custard Cookie Sandwiches: Available in 6-packs for take-home enjoyment.

  • Freezer Fillers: Pints and quarts of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard for enjoyment at home.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in State College, PA, boasts several features and highlights that contribute to its unique appeal, despite some customer service challenges noted in reviews:

• Dual Signature Products (Italian Ice & Frozen Custard): The core strength of Rita's is its mastery of two distinct frozen desserts. The Italian Ice is known for being made fresh daily with real fruit, offering a refreshing, non-dairy option. The Frozen Custard is praised for its rich, creamy texture due to its higher butterfat content and lower air incorporation than regular ice cream. This dual focus provides a unique variety not found in typical ice cream shops.

• Extensive Flavor Rotation: With over 80 possible Italian Ice flavors that rotate daily, customers are always presented with new choices. This constant variety keeps the menu exciting and encourages repeat visits, as patrons look forward to discovering new favorites.

• Signature Layered & Blended Treats: Rita's excels at combining its two core products into innovative creations like the Gelati (layers of ice and custard) and the Blendini®/Concrete (blended ice or custard with mix-ins). These popular items offer diverse textures and flavor profiles that appeal to a wide range of palates.

• Loyalty Program (Rita's Ice App): Rita's offers a loyalty program through its app, providing members with free treats, birthday rewards, and exclusive offers. This incentivizes repeat business and rewards loyal customers.

• Seasonal & Limited-Time Offerings: Rita's frequently introduces seasonal flavors (like Gummy Bear Italian Ice) and limited-time promotions, which generate excitement and provide new reasons for customers to visit.

While customer reviews have, at times, highlighted concerns regarding service consistency, order accuracy, and staff attitude, particularly towards closing time, the underlying product offerings and variety remain a strong draw for the brand. Potential customers are encouraged to visit during less busy hours or communicate their orders clearly to ensure a positive experience.

For those in Pennsylvania looking to visit Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in State College, here is the contact information:

Address: 1609 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803, USA

Phone: (814) 808-5525

Mobile Phone: +1 814-808-5525

For the most up-to-date information on their daily rotating flavors, current operating hours, and any special promotions, it is always recommended to check their official website (specifically the State College location page if available), their social media channels, or to call the store directly before your visit. This is especially helpful given the rotating nature of their Italian Ice flavors and any potential seasonal changes in hours.

For the residents of State College, Pennsylvania, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard presents a unique and often compelling option for frozen treats, making it a suitable choice for locals seeking something beyond traditional ice cream. Its appeal lies in its distinctive product offerings, wide variety, and convenient accessibility.

The core strength of Rita's is its specialization in both authentic Italian Ice and rich, creamy frozen custard. This dual focus provides a versatility that many other dessert shops cannot match. Locals can choose a light and refreshing Italian Ice, perfect for a warm Pennsylvania day, or indulge in the dense, decadent custard. The ability to combine these into a signature Gelati or a blended Blendini® offers endless customization and a truly unique texture and flavor experience that sets it apart in the local dessert landscape. The vast rotation of Italian Ice flavors ensures that even frequent visitors will find new and exciting options, preventing monotony and encouraging repeat visits.

While some customer reviews indicate challenges with service consistency, order accuracy, and staff interactions, particularly during busy or late hours, the fundamental quality and variety of Rita's products remain a significant draw. It's a place where you can find unique items not commonly available elsewhere, such as specific Italian Ice flavors or the distinct texture of frozen custard. Its location on N Atherton Street offers convenient access for residents across State College, making it an easy stop for a quick treat after work, school, or on a weekend outing.

For Pennsylvanians who appreciate a wide selection of frozen desserts and are open to exploring options beyond the typical, Rita's offers a vibrant and often delicious experience. Despite isolated service concerns, the core product innovation and breadth of menu items position Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard as a valuable and suitable destination for those in State College looking to cool down and satisfy their sweet tooth with something distinctive.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

1609 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803, USA