Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

For many residents of Hummelstown and the surrounding Dauphin County area, the arrival of warm weather means one thing: it's time for a refreshing treat from a local favorite. Among the beloved spots is Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, a franchise that has become a staple for its signature Italian ice and creamy frozen custard. The Hummelstown location has been serving up these cool, flavorful treats for years, becoming a go-to destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to beat the heat. The concept behind Rita's is simple but brilliant: combine the icy, vibrant flavor of Italian ice with the smooth, rich texture of frozen custard to create a dessert experience unlike any other. It’s a place where you can find a classic treat you love or discover a new favorite flavor, thanks to their constantly rotating menu of over 95 Italian ice options. This variety, combined with the consistent quality of their products, is what has made Rita's a popular choice for so many in the community. It’s a place that feels familiar and reliably delicious, a true sign of a successful local dessert spot.

While Rita's is a franchise, the Hummelstown location at 139 S Hanover St operates with a local touch. It has woven itself into the fabric of the community, serving as a seasonal hub where people gather after school, work, or local events. For a long time, it has been a dependable place for a sweet treat. The nostalgic feeling of a Rita's visit is a big part of its charm. Customers know what to expect: a menu full of vibrant flavors and a product that consistently delivers on taste. This reliability is a key factor in its continued popularity. The brand's focus on a limited menu of Italian ice, frozen custard, and their combinations allows them to excel at what they do. This specialization ensures that every item is crafted with care and a consistent recipe, which is a major draw for loyal patrons who appreciate the quality. For many, a trip to Rita's isn't just about getting a dessert; it’s about a simple, reliable pleasure that marks the changing seasons.

A few recent customer reviews have highlighted some issues with service, which is a concern for any business that relies on a positive customer experience. One review in particular detailed a frustrating encounter where staff reportedly closed the store early and showed a lack of professional courtesy to customers who were in line before the official closing time. It's clear from this feedback that customer service can sometimes be inconsistent, and this type of experience can be disappointing for loyal customers who expect a certain level of service. For many, a bad customer service experience can outweigh the quality of the product, as one review explicitly states, "customer service at this location has gone downhill." These reviews serve as valuable feedback for the business to improve upon, as the community values friendly and welcoming staff. The feedback also underscores the importance of supporting local businesses with kind staff, as noted by the same reviewer who recommended an alternative location. However, it's also worth noting that another customer review praised the product itself, noting the custard was "super smooth & tasty as usual," which shows that the core product remains a strong point of the brand. This mix of reviews indicates a need for consistency in both product and service, a common challenge for any business.

Despite these service challenges, the product itself continues to be a major draw. The unique offerings, like Gelati and Blendini, are what keep people coming back. The Gelati, a perfect layering of Italian ice and creamy frozen custard, offers a combination of textures and temperatures that is both refreshing and indulgent. The Blendini, a mix of Italian ice and custard with various toppings blended in, is a more customizable and substantial treat. These innovative combinations are a hallmark of the Rita's brand and are a big reason why customers seek them out. The Hummelstown location, like all Rita's, excels at these unique offerings. The wide range of Italian ice flavors, from classic cherry and lemon to more adventurous seasonal options, means there is always something new to try. This variety ensures that the shop remains a fun and exciting place to visit, even for repeat customers. The commitment to maintaining a wide and appealing menu is what keeps the business relevant and popular in a competitive local market. It’s the kind of place where a simple craving for something sweet and cold can be satisfied in countless delicious ways.

---

### Location and Accessibility

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is conveniently situated in the heart of Hummelstown, making it a highly accessible spot for both local residents and those traveling through. The shop is located at 139 S Hanover St, which is a main thoroughfare in the town. Its central location makes it an ideal stop for a treat after visiting other local businesses, parks, or community events. The shop's presence on a well-trafficked street ensures it is easy to find using a GPS or by simply driving through town. For customers arriving by car, there is likely street parking available nearby, though it’s always wise to check for local parking regulations. The ease of access is a key factor in the shop's popularity, as it allows for a quick and simple visit without a major detour. Its location makes it a natural gathering point for the community, a place where people can easily meet up and enjoy a sweet treat together. The shop’s physical placement within the community is as important as the product it sells, and this location helps it serve as a central hub for sweet treats.

---

### Services Offered

Rita's has built its reputation on a focused menu of frozen delights, and the Hummelstown location is no exception. They specialize in a few key products, which they execute very well. This specialization allows them to maintain a high level of quality and consistency across their offerings. The menu is designed to be customizable, giving customers the ability to create their perfect dessert. This variety of options, from a simple Italian ice to a complex sundae, ensures that every craving can be satisfied, whether you're in the mood for something light and fruity or rich and creamy. The core services are centered around these signature items, and it is this dedication to their unique products that has made them a household name in many communities, including Hummelstown.

• Italian Ice: A refreshing, fat-free, and dairy-free treat available in a wide array of flavors. The menu features a constantly rotating selection, with over 95 flavors in total, ensuring there is always something new to try. It's a perfect option for a light, flavorful dessert on a hot day.

• Frozen Custard: This is a smooth, dense, and creamy soft-serve ice cream. It is a richer alternative to traditional soft serve and serves as the perfect complement to the Italian ice. It can be enjoyed on its own in cones or dishes.

• Gelati: A signature Rita's item that layers Italian ice and frozen custard. This popular treat combines the best of both worlds, offering a unique and satisfying combination of textures and flavors in one cup. Customers can choose their favorite ice and custard flavors to create a personalized treat.

• Blendini: A blend of Italian ice and frozen custard with a variety of mix-ins, such as Oreos, M&M's, or gummy worms. This option is perfect for those who want a customized, thicker dessert with added texture and flavor from toppings.

• Misto: A drinkable treat that blends Italian ice and frozen custard into a creamy, slushy concoction. It’s a great option for a refreshing, on-the-go dessert.

---

### Features / Highlights

What makes Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard a notable spot in Hummelstown are the specific features and highlights that define the customer experience. These elements are what distinguish it from other dessert places and contribute to its strong brand identity. From the wide array of flavors to the unique product combinations, these highlights are what make a visit to Rita's a distinct and memorable event.

• Wide Variety of Flavors: With a rotation of over 95 Italian ice flavors, there is always something new to discover. This extensive variety ensures that every visit is a different experience and that customers can always find a flavor to suit their mood or a new one to try.

• Unique Product Combinations: The creation of treats like Gelati and Blendini is a major highlight. These combinations of Italian ice and frozen custard are what Rita's is famous for and offer a unique dessert experience that sets them apart from typical ice cream shops. They provide a satisfying mix of textures and temperatures that many customers love.

• Seasonal Operations: Like many local ice cream shops, Rita's operates on a seasonal basis, typically opening for the warmer months. This seasonal schedule adds to the charm and makes a trip to Rita's a much-anticipated tradition that marks the arrival of spring and summer in the community.

• Nostalgic Appeal: For many, Rita's holds a nostalgic value. It is a brand that has been around for a while, and its products evoke a sense of carefree summer days. This nostalgic appeal is a powerful highlight that builds strong emotional connections with customers and ensures their loyalty.

---

### Contact Information

For more information, to inquire about daily flavors, or to check on seasonal hours, you can reach out to the Hummelstown Rita's location using the following details:

• Address: 139 S Hanover St, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA

• Phone: (717) 482-8916

---

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the residents of Hummelstown, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is more than just another dessert shop; it's a part of the local landscape and a seasonal tradition. The wide range of unique treats, from refreshing Italian ice to rich frozen custard and the popular Gelati, ensures that there is always something to satisfy a sweet craving. Its location on a main street makes it a convenient and easy stop for families and individuals alike. While recent reviews have brought up concerns about customer service, the consistent quality of the product itself continues to be a major draw. For a community that values its local spots, Rita's serves as a reliable place for a classic, delicious treat. Its seasonal opening is a cherished sign of warmer weather, and its unique menu sets it apart from other dessert options. Supporting a local franchise like Rita's means enjoying a well-loved product while participating in a familiar community tradition. It's the ideal place for a simple, sweet escape right in the heart of Hummelstown.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

139 S Hanover St, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA