Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

For many in Pennsylvania, the name Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is synonymous with the start of summer and warm weather. It’s a place that holds a special, nostalgic charm for locals, serving as a backdrop for countless childhood memories and family outings. The brand's origins trace back to 1984 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, when a former firefighter, Bob Tumolo, began selling his mother's special recipe for Italian ice from a small porch. Named after his wife, Rita's quickly grew into a regional sensation, celebrated for its smooth, fresh Italian ice made with real fruit and its rich, creamy frozen custard.

The Abington location, situated at 1700 Old York Rd, continues this cherished tradition. This shop is a go-to spot for people in the community seeking a refreshing treat. Rita’s is known for its two main products: a huge variety of Italian ice flavors and a decadent frozen custard. The Italian ice, which many Pennsylvanians lovingly refer to as "water ice," is made fresh daily on-site, ensuring a vibrant and authentic taste. The frozen custard, a rich and smooth dessert, provides a perfect complement to the flavorful ice. When the two are combined, they create Rita's most famous item, the Gelati, a unique layered treat that offers the best of both worlds in a single cup.

Customer reviews highlight the diverse experiences at this location. One review specifically praised an employee named Casey for their "best" and "amazing customer service," noting their "big smile and charisma" that makes every visit a pleasant one. This kind of personal, friendly service is a major highlight and speaks to the kind of community-focused business that locals appreciate. It shows that even in a chain franchise, individual employees can make a huge difference in the customer experience, fostering a loyal following and a positive atmosphere. This personal touch is a key part of what makes Rita's so much more than just a place to get a dessert; it’s a place to feel welcomed and valued.

On the other hand, another review raised some concerns regarding product size and staff attentiveness, particularly during a perceived lack of customer engagement. The reviewer mentioned a "5 layer Gelati" that was smaller than expected and noted that a staff member seemed preoccupied with their phone. While this is an unfortunate experience, it also points to the high expectations locals have for this beloved brand. The reviewer’s frustration stems from a place of familiarity and a deep-seated love for the product, highlighting that for locals, Rita's is a significant part of their dessert landscape, and they expect a certain level of quality and service. This honest feedback helps paint a complete picture, demonstrating that even a well-loved business can have occasional challenges, but the underlying sentiment for the product itself, as a "rare combination scientific discovery," remains strong and positive.

The Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Abington is conveniently located at 1700 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001, USA. This address places it on a major road, making it highly accessible for residents of Abington and surrounding areas in Montgomery County, such as Jenkintown, Willow Grove, and Glenside. Its location on Old York Road, a key thoroughfare, ensures that it's easy to get to by car. The shop provides ample parking, which is a significant advantage, especially during the busy summer months when families and friends flock to get their treats.

The accessibility of this location is what makes it a local hub. It’s an easy stop for people coming home from work, heading to a sports game, or simply driving through the neighborhood. The convenience of being on a main road, combined with sufficient parking, ensures a seamless experience for customers, solidifying its role as a regular destination for a refreshing snack.

Rita's provides a variety of services to ensure customers can enjoy their favorite treats in multiple ways.

• In-Store Ordering and Takeout: The classic service of walking up to the counter and ordering your favorite Italian ice, custard, or Gelati is the primary offering. This includes both single servings and pints to take home.
• Catering Services: The Abington Rita's can cater to special events like birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and community events. They offer Party Packs and can provide a full-service setup with a mobile cart, bringing the joy of Rita's directly to your event.
• Online Ordering and Delivery: To meet the needs of a modern customer base, Rita’s partners with third-party delivery services. This allows locals to order their favorite treats online and have them delivered right to their doorstep.
• Gift Cards: Rita's offers gift cards, which are a perfect way for customers to share their love for the brand with friends and family, making them a great gift for any occasion.

Several key features and highlights distinguish Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard as a local favorite.

• Signature Gelati: This is arguably Rita's most popular product. The Gelati is a unique layered treat that combines the famous Italian ice with their creamy frozen custard, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
• Made Fresh Daily Italian Ice: A core principle of the brand is that their Italian ice is made fresh daily on-site. This commitment to freshness and using real fruit ensures a high-quality and flavorful product every time.
• Extensive Flavor Selection: With over 95 flavors of Italian ice in a rotating menu, there is always a new and exciting flavor to discover. The wide variety keeps customers coming back to try seasonal or limited-time-only options.
• Friendly and Charismatic Staff: As highlighted in a customer review, the friendly and positive attitude of staff members like Casey makes a significant difference in the customer experience, fostering a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
• Diverse Menu: Beyond Italian ice and frozen custard, the menu includes a variety of other items such as Misto® Shakes (a blend of Italian ice and frozen custard) and Blendinis®, which offer a wide range of options for every palate.

For residents of Abington and the surrounding areas, here is the essential contact information for the Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard location:

Address: 1700 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001, USA

Phone: (610) 332-0281

This information is useful for checking store hours, inquiring about current flavors, or placing a catering order.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Abington is a perfect fit for the local community because it offers a blend of quality products, nostalgic charm, and community-focused service. Its roots in the Philadelphia area make it a source of local pride, and its consistent delivery of delicious, fresh treats makes it a reliable destination for a sweet treat. While any business can face challenges, the positive customer feedback, such as the praise for a friendly employee, demonstrates that the Abington location is committed to creating a welcoming and positive environment.

The convenient location on a main road with ample parking makes it an easy and practical stop for families and individuals. The wide variety of products, from the classic Italian ice to the rich custard and signature Gelati, ensures that everyone can find something to love. For Abington residents, Rita's is more than just a place to get dessert; it's a a reliable part of summer, a place to make memories, and a true local institution that continues to deliver a taste of happiness to the community.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

1700 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001, USA