Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Lathrup Village, Michigan, is part of a well-known national franchise that has built a reputation on its unique combination of Italian ice and creamy frozen custard. For many in the Metro Detroit area, it represents a chance to enjoy a different kind of frozen dessert experience, distinct from traditional ice cream shops. The business is built around its signature offerings, most notably the Gelati, which layers the two core products into one delicious treat. This unique concept is a major draw for customers seeking something fresh and different for their sweet cravings.

The brand prides itself on its "Ice Custard Happiness" mantra, aiming to deliver a friendly and delightful treat experience. Their Italian ice is made fresh daily on location, and their frozen custard is described as rich and creamy, made with high-quality ingredients. This commitment to fresh, high-quality products is what keeps many customers coming back. The menu features a wide variety of flavors, often rotating to offer new and exciting choices, which adds to the appeal for repeat visitors.

However, the customer experience, as reflected in public reviews, can be a mixed bag. The quality of the products themselves is often praised, with one reviewer noting that the "ice cream is great" and another mentioning that the frozen custard is "crazy good." This positive feedback on the core offerings is a strong point. On the other hand, the reviews also highlight significant concerns about customer service and store operations. A detailed review mentions issues with staff being "unenthused" and a lack of cleanliness, citing a used sample cup and long fingernails on an employee handling food. Another review echoes the sentiment of a "lack of leadership" and notes that the restroom lacked soap and the napkin dispenser was nearly empty, even when the shop was empty.

These reviews provide a valuable, factual look at the customer experience at this specific location. While the franchise’s products are highly regarded, the operational aspects of the Lathrup Village store appear to be inconsistent. This article will present a balanced view, highlighting the menu and features of the brand while also acknowledging the direct feedback from local customers to provide a complete picture for those considering a visit.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is located at 27601 Southfield Rd in Lathrup Village, Michigan. This address places it on a prominent road, making it a highly visible and accessible destination. Southfield Road is a major thoroughfare in the Metro Detroit area, connecting Lathrup Village to a number of other communities like Southfield, Beverly Hills, and Birmingham. This location ensures that the shop is a convenient stop for a large number of people, whether they are running errands or simply passing through the area.

For accessibility, the store’s position on Southfield Road is a significant advantage. It is easy to reach by car and is likely to have a dedicated parking area, which is a common feature for businesses on main roads in the suburbs. This makes a visit relatively straightforward compared to some downtown locations where parking can be a challenge. However, reviews do not provide specifics on parking or the building layout, other than a mention of staff being visible inside, which suggests a classic storefront setup. The ease of access from a major road is a key feature, making it a quick and convenient stop for families or individuals on the go.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers a diverse menu that goes beyond simple scoops of ice cream. Their offerings are built around two core products: Italian ice and frozen custard.

• Italian Ice: This is a fresh, smooth, and sweet frozen treat that is made daily on location. The company is known for having a rotating selection of over 95 flavors, ensuring there is always a new flavor to try. Popular flavors mentioned in other locations' reviews include mango, lemon, and a variety of fruit-based options.
• Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard: Described as rich and creamy, this is the other half of the Rita's experience. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is often praised for its texture and taste.
• Gelati: This is Rita's signature treat, a layered dessert that combines Italian ice and frozen custard. It offers the best of both worlds in a single cup.
• 5-Layer Gelati: A more decadent version of the Gelati, this treat is served in a clear cup with extra layers of Italian ice and frozen custard, making it visually appealing and extra delicious.
• Blended Treats (Concrete & Blendini®): These are custom blended desserts. A Concrete is a mix of frozen custard and a topping, while a Blendini® combines Italian ice, frozen custard, and a topping. Examples from the menu include Cookies n' Cream Concrete and Strawberry Shortcake Concrete.
• Shakes & Sundaes: The menu also features specialty milkshakes and sundaes, like the REESE'S Peanut Butter Mudslide Sundae, which combines vanilla custard with hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, and REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has a number of features that define its brand and offerings.

• Unique Product Combination: The pairing of Italian ice and frozen custard is a key differentiator. The Gelati is a signature product that sets the brand apart from other frozen dessert shops.
• Made Fresh Daily: The Italian ice is made fresh daily on-site, a feature that the company highlights to ensure quality and freshness for its customers.
• Rotating Flavors: With a large number of flavors available, the menu is constantly rotating, which encourages repeat visits from customers eager to try new options.
• Free First Day of Spring Treat: A brand tradition is to offer a free Italian ice to all customers on the first day of spring. This is a beloved event that fosters a strong sense of community and customer loyalty.
• Catering and Fundraising Options: Rita's provides catering services, allowing customers to bring their favorite treats to parties and events. They also have a fundraising program, which helps local organizations and schools.

For more information or to plan your visit to Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, you can use the following contact information.

Address: 27601 Southfield Rd, Lathrup Village, MI 48076, USA

Phone: (248) 728-4905

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a great option for locals in the Michigan area because it offers a unique and diverse menu that provides a welcome alternative to traditional ice cream. The combination of refreshing Italian ice and creamy frozen custard appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its location in Lathrup Village makes it an accessible and convenient stop for a sweet treat for many in the Metro Detroit suburbs. The brand's commitment to fresh products and its fun, seasonal traditions make it a memorable spot for families. While the local customer service experiences have been a source of frustration for some, the core product remains highly praised. For Michiganders seeking a fun and different kind of frozen dessert, Rita's offers a taste of something new that can easily become a local tradition.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

27601 Southfield Rd, Lathrup Village, MI 48076, USA