Rita’s Frozen Dessert Franchise Growth Accelerates With Major New Expansion Across New Jersey and Beyond
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is picking up speed with its nationwide expansion after reporting a strong increase in franchise development during the first half of 2026. The well-known frozen dessert brand has signed agreements for more than 30 new franchise locations, marking a significant jump from the same period last year and highlighting growing confidence among entrepreneurs looking to invest in established food businesses.
The latest expansion reflects the company’s continued momentum as it strengthens its presence in New Jersey while also moving into new markets across the Midwest and South-Central United States. With more than 600 locations around the world, Rita’s continues to build on its long-standing reputation in the frozen dessert industry by attracting experienced business owners as well as first-time franchise operators.
Company officials say interest from potential franchise owners has increased sharply over the past year. The number of franchise enquiries has doubled compared to 2025, suggesting that more entrepreneurs are seeking business opportunities with recognisable brands that have a proven operating model. This growing demand comes as consumers continue to spend on affordable treats and family-friendly dining experiences, creating favourable conditions for dessert-focused businesses.
One of the key drivers behind the company’s recent success has been the growing popularity of drive-thru locations. According to Rita’s latest franchise disclosure information, stores equipped with drive-thru service generated substantially higher average gross sales during 2025 than comparable locations without that feature. As customer preferences continue to shift toward convenience and faster service, the company sees drive-thru restaurants as an important part of its future growth strategy.
Beyond customer convenience, Rita’s franchise model has also become attractive because of its relatively simple operating system. The business requires a smaller kitchen layout than many traditional restaurant concepts, avoids the need for fryers, and can often operate with greater staffing efficiency. These operational advantages may help reduce startup complexity while improving long-term profitability for franchise owners.
New Jersey remains one of the company’s most important markets, and additional development is already underway. Multi-unit franchise operator Disrupt Foods, which currently manages more than 40 Rita’s locations, plans to open three additional stores in Newark and Clifton, New Jersey, as well as Brockton, Massachusetts. Earlier this year, the group also expanded by opening new locations in Passaic, Trenton, and Delran.
For Disrupt Foods leadership, the Newark expansion carries personal meaning in addition to business value. Company executives have described the new investment as an opportunity to return to a community with deep personal connections while creating spaces where local families can gather, celebrate milestones, and enjoy shared experiences.
Expansion efforts across New Jersey are not limited to existing franchise operators. Rita confirmed that four additional ownership groups are actively searching for suitable locations throughout central and northern parts of the state. These planned developments indicate that the company expects continued growth in one of its strongest regional markets.
Founded in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in 1984, Rita’s has grown from a neighbourhood frozen dessert shop into an internationally recognised franchise brand. Over the years, the company has built a broad customer base through its Italian ice, frozen custard, gelati, and seasonal dessert offerings. Industry recognition has also supported the brand’s reputation, with Rita’s earning placements in major franchise and restaurant rankings that evaluate business performance, brand strength, and growth potential.
The company’s latest expansion reflects broader trends within the franchise industry, where investors continue to favour businesses that combine established brand recognition with operational simplicity. As consumers increasingly seek quick-service dining options that offer both convenience and value, frozen dessert chains with efficient business models appear well-positioned for continued growth.
With dozens of new locations already in development, additional franchise interest building across multiple states, and further investments planned throughout New Jersey, Rita’s is entering the second half of 2026 with strong momentum. If current development trends continue, the company could further strengthen its position as one of the leading frozen dessert franchise brands in the United States while expanding its footprint into new communities across the country.
Sources
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard (Official Company Announcements)
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Entrepreneur Franchise 500
- Restaurant Business Technomic Top 500 Rankings
