Before entering the world of franchising and owning a top frozen dessert franchise, Steve Wilkos of Indiana comes from a long background of working in corporate retail. His corporate experience in buying, merchandising and operating came in handy later in life when he and his family decided to become Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard Franchise … Read more
The path to becoming a top frozen dessert Franchise Owner When Jeff Burroughs was a high schooler working at a local ice cream shop, he never imagined he would one day come full circle and be a multi-unit owner with a top frozen dessert franchise, but that’s exactly what happened. Today, Jeff owns two Rita’s … Read more
Former attorney finds happiness as a Rita’s franchise owner, a career change he says has added years to his life Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dave Harris has been enjoying Rita’s Italian Ice since at least the 90s. So when the former attorney met a Rita’s owner during an investment meeting, he jumped at the … Read more
From financial professionals to Italian ice scoopers, the Kiblers found their happy calling far from home. Brian and Cassandra Kibler opened their Rita’s Italian Ice in the tourist town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Originally from Pennsylvania, the couple used to vacation in Pigeon Forge every year and … Read more
John Vanore has been a Rita’s franchisee since 1999. Find out why he’s stayed so long, and why he had the No. 1 performing store in 2019. John Vanore works really hard for 7 months, and for the remaining 5, his time is his own. That’s what a 12-month period looks like after 20 years … Read more
When marketing and accounting backgrounds come together, they end up being an unbeatable combination for business Annmarie Brown and her husband had known for a while they wanted to go into business together. He had experience in accounting and business; she had worked in marketing and education. “We always just thought that we would be … Read more
He’s our OG franchisee, the longest-standing franchise owner in the system, IFA’s Operator of the Year, and he loves where he sees the brand going today Meet Mitch Cove. He was recently named Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). We’ve always known him to be an exemplary businessman during his decades … Read more
Professional caterer finds Rita’s catering has been key to his success As the longtime owner of Katie’s Catering in the Atlanta suburb of Suwanee, Georgia, Harry Jones is no stranger to the foodservice business. So when he was looking for a side business around 2007 and attended a Rita’s Italian Ice Franchise seminar in Atlanta, … Read more
Lawyer Maria Finley who opens first Rita’s franchise in state of Louisiana featured in local newspaper Attorney Maria Finley was a new empty-nester who was ready to move away from her hometown of Baton Rouge and start a new chapter in her life in Washington, D.C. That was before a Rita’s Blue Raspberry Italian Ice … Read more
Dallas franchisee Sean Evans missed his favorite East Coast brand, so he decided to open up a few of his own in his new hometown. Dallas has more sunny days than rainy and more hot days than cold. It’s the perfect place for Rita’s Italian Ice to have a large presence. But when Sean Evans … Read more