Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is entering 2026 with strong momentum following a record-setting year marked by accelerated franchise growth, new incentive programs and a major systemwide milestone. The brand closed 2025 having surpassed 600 locations worldwide, reinforcing its position as the largest Italian Ice concept in the world and setting the stage for continued expansion in the year ahead. In 2025, Rita’s opened 35 new shops systemwide! U.S. openings increased 10% year-over-year and new unit signings grew by nearly 10% year-over-year. “Our focus in 2025 was building smarter, not just bigger,” said Linda Chadwick, CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “We leaned into formats, incentives and markets that help franchisees open faster, operate more efficiently and perform stronger over time. That strategy is paying off as we head into 2026.” Drive-thru development emerged as one of Rita’s most powerful growth drivers in 2025. Across the system, drive-thru locations are delivering over 30% higher performance compared to non-drive-thru shops, fueled by greater throughput, convenience for families and extended operating seasons in colder climates. That performance gap informed the launch of Rita’s new Drive-Thru Incentive Program (DTIP), introduced in the fourth quarter of 2025 to accelerate new-build development. For 2026 new drive-thru builds, qualified franchisees may receive $50,000–$60,000 in total contributions, including: $40,000 in cash contributions $10,000 toward drive-thru equipment $10,000 early construction start “kicker” incentive for projects that break ground by April 15, 2026 A Presidents Circle trip to a tropical destination in February 2027 for qualifying franchisees With DTIP…
