Photo: Miranda Fedor
Spring has finally sprung! The warm weather is here to stay! What better way to celebrate than with a cold treat from Rita’s of Elizabethtown? The store is already widely popular among the Elizabethtown College population, especially with the warmer weather. As spring continues, Rita’s Italian Ice is the place to be.
Rita’s of Elizabethtown serves a variety of different Italian ice combinations and soft ice cream combinations. They have a rotation of 80 different Italian ice flavor options and approximately 11 different custard flavors.
Each day they have around 20 Italian ice flavors available alongside approximately ten custards. The ice flavors and custards that are served often vary from day to day, since they are freshly made in store. “The most popular flavored custards are the cheesecake custard and the coffee custard, but honestly they are all pretty popular,” co-owner and store manager Gabriella Suglia said.
In addition to plain Italian ices, Rita’s serves sugar-free ices, frozen custard, soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, frozen drinks and some signature products. Some of Rita’s signature products include the Gelati, the Misto and the Blendini.
The Gelati is Rita’s number one bestseller, not only at the Elizabethtown location, but at other locations across the nation. Gelati is an Italian ice topped with custard.
The Misto is an Italian ice flavor that is mixed with custard. The Blendini takes the Gelati and the Misto a step further, mixing an Italian ice with a custard and one topping. Rita’s of Elizabethtown is located at 30 North Market Street, right next door to Vinnie and Pat’s Dog House. It is the perfect lunch and dessert combination spot.
The shop is open daily from noon-9 p.m. “We just have a great location. I don’t think it could get any better. We have plenty of seating in front and probably the largest parking lot of any business in Elizabethtown,” Suglia said.
“There is also the creek and Vinnie and Pat’s right next door, so it is a great lunch and dessert in one shot spot,” Suglia said when asked what makes Rita’s stand out in the community.
In addition to the irresistible treats, Rita’s also offers irresistible deals. They have a variety of discounts for community members and college students alike. College students get 10 percent off their purchase. Those serving in the military, veterans, and large groups also get a 10 percent discount.
If you think it couldn’t get any better, think again! Rita’s is also highly involved in giving back to the community. The shop does a lot to help the local elementary schools during fundraiser events.
Some of the elementary schools participate in a Mini-THON event and Rita’s is always willing to donate Italian ices for the participants. Suglia is a former Penn State student, so “THON” holds a special place in her heart. Therefore, she jumps at any opportunity to help causes similar to that of “THON.”
Want to know more about the history of Rita’s in Elizabethtown? The Italian ice shop used to be a gas station prior to its opening in 2001. Since its opening, the Elizabethtown franchise has changed ownership a few times. The current owners took over in 2014 and have surely kept business booming.
Starting May 4, Rita’s will be offering frozen drinks for just $1.99. If you haven’t already, be sure to take a trip or two to Rita’s before the school year comes to a close!
