Rita's of BWI Airport MD Introduce
For travelers passing through Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and local Marylanders working or visiting the airport, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers a delightful and refreshing pause. Unlike typical airport dining options, Rita's provides a taste of its beloved "Ice Custard Happiness" right within the terminal, making it a unique and welcome sight for many. Known for its distinct Italian Ice – a smooth, dairy-free frozen treat – and its rich, old-fashioned Frozen Custard, Rita's at BWI is a beacon for those seeking a sweet escape during their journey or workday.
This particular Rita's location is praised not just for its signature frozen delights but also for its exceptional customer service, a standout feature in a busy airport environment. Patrons consistently highlight friendly, efficient, and even enthusiastic staff who go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. This dedication to service transforms a quick stop into a memorable interaction, making it more than just a place to grab a treat, but a genuine moment of happiness.
The presence of Rita's at BWI Airport represents a strategic expansion for the brand, offering a convenient way for both loyal fans and new customers to enjoy their beloved products. Whether you're a Maryland resident seeing off family, a frequent flyer, or an airport employee, Rita's at BWI provides a refreshing and often nostalgic experience that can brighten any day. It's a testament to the idea that even in the most bustling environments, a touch of genuine hospitality and a delicious product can make all the difference.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is strategically located within Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), specifically at 7050 Friendship Rd Gate C2, Baltimore, MD 21240, USA. This placement inside Concourse C makes it a convenient and highly accessible spot for passengers traveling through this concourse, as well as airport employees.
Accessing Rita's at BWI Airport requires being within the secure area of the airport, past TSA checkpoints. For departing passengers, finding the shop at Gate C2 is typically straightforward, as airport signage guides visitors effectively. For those arriving or connecting, accessing Concourse C might involve navigating the airport's internal transportation or walking, depending on the arrival gate.
As an airport location, accessibility to BWI itself is excellent for Maryland locals. BWI Airport is served by various transportation options:
- Car: Direct access from major highways including I-95, I-195, and MD 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Ample parking is available in various garages and lots, including hourly, daily, and long-term options.
- Public Transportation: BWI has its own MARC Train and Amtrak station, offering rail service to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and beyond. A free shuttle service connects the airport terminal to the BWI Rail Station. Additionally, MTA bus routes and the Light Rail provide connections to various parts of Baltimore and Anne Arundel County.
- Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for drop-off and pick-up.
While the shop itself is within the secure zone, the overall accessibility of BWI Airport ensures that Maryland locals can easily reach the terminal, whether they are flying, picking up or dropping off travelers, or working at the airport, making Rita's a convenient treat destination.
- Signature Italian Ice: Rita's is renowned for its Italian Ice, a smooth, refreshing, and dairy-free frozen treat made fresh daily. A variety of flavors are typically available, though the selection may be slightly curated for an airport environment. Popular flavors include Mango, Cherry, and Lemon.
- Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard: The creamy, rich Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard offers a delightful contrast to the Italian Ice. It's a denser, richer soft-serve style dessert.
- Gelati: A signature Rita's item, the Gelati combines layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, providing a unique blend of textures and temperatures in one cup. This is a highly popular choice for those wanting the best of both worlds.
- Blended Treats: The menu likely includes blended options such as Milkshakes (made with frozen custard), and possibly Gelati Blenders or Ice Blenders, which combine Italian Ice with custard or simply blend the ice into a drinkable consistency.
- Pre-packed Items: Given the airport setting, pre-packed options like quarts or pints of Italian Ice or Frozen Custard, or possibly Custard Cookie Sandwiches, might be available for convenient grab-and-go purchases for immediate enjoyment or to take on a flight (following TSA liquid rules for frozen items).
- Grab & Go Snacks: As an airport location, there may be some customized menu items or additional grab-and-go snacks available to cater to the diverse needs of travelers, as indicated by one source mentioning a customized menu to cater to hungry passengers including tasty snacks.
- Friendly and Efficient Service: As highlighted by customer reviews, a core "service" offered is the exceptional customer interaction, characterized by friendly and efficient staff who enhance the overall experience.
- Exceptional Customer Service: A standout feature, as consistently noted in customer reviews, is the incredibly friendly, efficient, and engaging staff. This high level of service is particularly noteworthy in a fast-paced airport environment and contributes significantly to a positive customer experience.
- Convenient Airport Location: Being situated within BWI Airport at Gate C2 offers unparalleled convenience for travelers and airport personnel. It provides a quick and refreshing escape during layovers, before flights, or during work breaks.
- Unique Product Offering: Rita's distinct Italian Ice and creamy Frozen Custard offer a unique alternative to traditional ice cream, appealing to a wide range of tastes and providing a refreshing option, especially for those seeking dairy-free treats.
- High-Quality and Freshness: Rita's prides itself on making its Italian Ice fresh daily, ensuring a vibrant and authentic flavor experience in every cup.
- Mood-Boosting Experience: As mentioned by customers, a visit to this Rita's can genuinely enhance the travel experience, serving as a "great start to a vacation" or simply a delightful pick-me-up. The positive interactions and delicious treats contribute to a memorable and happy moment.
- Early Opening Hours: An airport location needs to cater to early travelers. Rita's at BWI is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST daily, making it accessible for early morning flights and late evening arrivals.
Address: 7050 Friendship Rd Gate C2, Baltimore, MD 21240, USA (located inside BWI Marshall Airport, Concourse C)
Phone: While a specific local phone number for this BWI location isn't universally listed, the provided phone for Rita's of BWI Airport MD is often given as (667) 272-0988, which is the same as the Taharka Brothers listing. It is highly recommended to refer to BWI Airport's official dining directory or Rita's corporate website for the most accurate contact information for this specific gate location, as direct phone lines to airport concessions can sometimes be specialized.
Mobile Phone: +1 667-272-0988 (Please verify this number, as it appears to be a general listing and not directly tied to the airport concession's customer service desk).
Hours: Open daily, typically from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST. (Airport hours can sometimes vary; checking the BWI Airport website or Rita's official site for real-time hours is advised).
For residents of Maryland, particularly those in the Baltimore metropolitan area, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard at BWI Airport offers a uniquely suitable and delightful experience, even if it's primarily designed for travelers. Its location within the airport means easy access for those seeing off loved ones, picking up arrivals, or even working at the airport. BWI's excellent connectivity via major highways, MARC train, Amtrak, Light Rail, and bus services makes reaching the airport straightforward from almost anywhere in the region. This accessibility ensures that locals can enjoy Rita's treats without necessarily needing to fly.
What truly sets this Rita's apart for locals is the consistently high praise for its customer service. In an often-stressful environment like an airport, the friendly, efficient, and welcoming staff provide a refreshing contrast, turning a simple purchase into a pleasant interaction. This level of service fosters a positive impression that extends beyond just the product. For Marylanders who appreciate genuine hospitality, this Rita's location delivers.
Furthermore, the product itself — Rita's signature Italian Ice and creamy Frozen Custard — offers a unique and beloved taste of home for many. It's a familiar and comforting brand that provides a refreshing break from the ordinary. The ability to grab a delicious, high-quality frozen treat, perhaps a Gelati or a classic Italian Ice, right before a flight, after a long journey, or during a work shift, is an invaluable convenience. It's a little slice of "Ice Custard Happiness" that resonates deeply with local tastes and offers a comforting connection to home, making Rita's of BWI Airport a perfect pit stop for any Marylander passing through.
Rita's of BWI Airport MD Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Dining options
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Rita's of BWI Airport MD Photos










Rita's of BWI Airport MD Location
Rita's of BWI Airport MD
7050 Friendship Rd Gate C2, Baltimore, MD 21240, USA
Rita's of BWI Airport MD Reviews
employeesitalian icecustardflightsundaeterminalworkersmangovacationcherry
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Awesome service here right before they closed. And yeah… the best frozen custard I’ve ever had. The gentleman came out to chat and geek out about the place, which I have never seen at an airport before. Going to fly through BWI with my family any chance I get now!
March 23 · Will KleinGREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE, STAFF WAS FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT! Everyone serviced me with a smile on their face! The experience really was a great start to my vacation! Also the Italian ice was of course delicious!
July 11 · Kenny HensonThe company is GREEDY. The employees have great customer service and provide service with a smile. There’s a tip jar by the register. All the tips go straight to the store and not the employees who keep the place running. You make plenty of money while your employees make next to nothing. The least you could do is let your employees keep the tips that THEY EARNED.
May 23 · Justin BettertonWhat an unexpected delight my stop at Rita's was. I got the mango cherry gelati and it was fabulous. Michelle sold me on it and gave exceptional customer service. I never thought I would like it and now I will be trying it every time I fly through BWI! Give Michelle a raise she is making you money.
April 07 · Anthony SmithNaya took special care explaining and making the sundaes ordered by the lady in front of me and for myself. She made sure we both got exactly what we wanted and I was shocked by the level of customer service. Great job!
March 03 · Justin Sevier
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