New Jersey, Pennsylvania Italian Ice Chain Giving Away Free Treats on First Day of Spring

Jessica Woods

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the renowned frozen treats destination, is offering its guests a reason to celebrate on the first day of spring.

The brand, which has become synonymous with the arrival of spring, announced that it will be giving away a free 6-ounce Italian Ice to every guest who visits one of its 550+ locations on Tuesday, March 19.

Guests can choose from Rita’s Italian Ice classics or try their newest flavor, SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Ice, inspired by the popular sour-then-sweet candy.


Rita’s locations are expected to give away approximately 1 million cups of their classic Italian Ice during the celebration. Moreover, Rita’s has added SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Ice to its diverse menu. Guests can indulge in Rita’s SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Gelati, featuring SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Ice, creamy vanilla Frozen Custard, and topped with Rita’s new sour watermelon topping. For a refreshing on-the-go treat, try the SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Ice Blender, which highlights the sour-then-sweet watermelon flavor in a cool and invigorating beverage.

Linda Chadwick, President & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, said, “Our first day of spring giveaway has become a cherished tradition with our guests, and this year, we’re elevating the celebration with the exclusive launch of SOUR PATCH KIDS Watermelon Ice. At Rita’s, our guests inspire us to push our flavor innovation further each year, and we are thrilled to partner with the SOUR PATCH KIDS brand to deliver this unique take on a sour-then-sweet favorite in only a way Rita’s can. We hope to see everyone at Rita’s on March 19 to enjoy a free cup of Ice on us.”

To sweeten the deal, those who download the Rita’s Ice app can start earning rewards on their purchases and receive a free small Ice just for signing up. Non-loyalty members can download the Rita’s Ice app from the Apple or Google Play stores, or by visiting ritasice.com/app/.

Rita’s signature Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating daily selection from over 75 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include creamy Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s BlendersTM, Milkshakes, and more.

Bob Tumolo, a Philadelphia firefighter, founded Rita’s in May 1984. He created his prized family recipe, which included real fruit, named the product after his wife Rita, and Rita’s Italian Ice was born. Since then, Rita’s has become a popular frozen treats franchise across the country, offering a happy atmosphere and setting the standard for fresh and quality-driven Italian Ice.

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