Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 18 states, will celebrate the first day of spring by scooping Free Ice all day Tuesday, March 20th, 2012.  What started out as a seasonal re-opening for many Rita's stores has turned into an annual Free Ice day for millions of fans of the amazing frozen treat since 1992, twenty years ago!  With its motto, "Ice, Custard, Happiness", Rita's is dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious custom treats on Tuesday, March 20th, to celebrate the first day of spring. 

All Guests who visit their local Rita's Italian Ice on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012, the first day of spring, will receive a free Regular Ice of their choice. They can choose from traditional Italian Ice (often referred to as water ice), a smooth and delicious treat made with real fruit available in over 50 flavors including popular Cherry, Lemon, Mango, Swedish Fish, Kiwi-Strawberry and Island Fusion just to name a few!  If Guests prefer a more decadent Ice treat, they can also get our Cream Ice, which are offered in silky smooth flavors without the heaviness of ice cream.  They are encouraged to try some of their newest additions like Iced Coffee, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Mint Chocolate Chip, Fudge Brownie, Root Beer Float and more.  Finally health-conscious Guests can still enjoy a taste of spring with their Sugar-free flavors also available.  Rita's Ice is made on-site daily from scratch at each store, making it like no other frozen treat.

"Celebrating the start of spring with Free Ice is our way of thanking our longtime Rita's guests," said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's.  "This year marks twenty years that Rita's has given out free Ice and we invite all our fans to come in as we celebrate this huge milestone."

Besides its amazing Italian Ice, Rita's "Home of Cool Treats" also offers many more delicious options including Misto® Shakes, a combination of your favorite Italian Ice and Custard blended into a cool, creamy, delicious customizable treat, a tempting Gelati which is your favorite Italian Ice layered with creamy Frozen Custard, or Frozen Custard and Rita's Ice blended with your choice of mix-in for a personalized Blendini®, and even a Slenderita® as rich, creamy, and satisfying as our famous Vanilla Frozen Custard, but totally Fat-Free!