Rita’s Italian Ice, the US Italian ice concept with more than 550 stores, will introduce its Italian ice to India.
A master licensee development agreement has been awarded to South Asian Food & Hospitality, a subsidiary company of South Asian Hospitality Services based in New Delhi, India.
SAFH announced its aggressive development plan for India to open 50 Rita’s Italian Ice stores over the next several years, with the first location opening in New Delhi in the fourth quarter of 2012.
“India’s booming economy and growing market make the country an excellent strategic fit as Rita’s furthers its global reach,” said Jonathan Fornaci, Rita’s CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with South Asian Food & Hospitality which has more than a decade of hospitality and management experience in India, and a successful, well-established infrastructure.”
SAFH also has master license agreements with US brand Quiznos and Australian brand Muffin Break. It is also a multi-brand multi-unit franchisee of domestic brands including partnership with India’s Wagh Bakri Tea Company to operate Tea Lounges across India.
“We will leverage our strength to become the leading provider of high-quality treats in India, with a focus on achieving excellence and building the Rita’s brand,” said Parvin Juneja, CEO of SAFH. “We chose Rita’s as a respected and proven leader within the industry, and a well-suited partner. We are very proud to introduce Rita’s famous ice and creamy custard to India.”
Rita’s Italian Ice locations in India will feature the same combination of freshly made ice in a clean, fun atmosphere that patrons have enjoyed since the first Rita’s opened in Pennsylvania in 1984.
Apart from Italian Ice, Rita’s ‘home of cool treats’ also offer Misto Shakes, Gelati, Frozen Custard or Blendini.
Rita’s recently announced another master licensee in China and a renewed interest in franchise growth.
The company is actively seeking partners for major international markets across several continents, and is actively pursuing area development agreements and multiple-unit operators throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, the Carolinas, and the Northeast, and single unit franchisees in the mid-Atlantic region in the US.
Headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania, the first Rita’s was opened in 1984 by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter.
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