After Launching in Lakewood Ranch, Rita’s Italian Ice Heads to University Park

After launching a location in Lakewood Ranch back in December, frozen treat shop Rita’s Italian Ice is preparing to open in University Park , at 8523 Cooper Creek Blvd , across from the Shoppes at University Center .

For Kelsey, who franchises Rita’s Ice in the area together with her husband, the brand that offers “ice, custard, happiness” is a taste of home.

“We’re originally from Pennsylvania, and Rita’s a was a big part of our life up in Pittsburgh,” Kelsey told What Now on Thursday. “When we moved to Florida, we noticed we didn’t have them here, and we thought it would be such a good contribution to the area.”

Like the Lakewood Ranch location, Rita’s Italian Ice in University Park will be a family-run operation, serving up Italian ice in more than 80 rotating flavors, along with frozen custards and concretes made with more than just your usual chocolate and vanilla (there’s Butter Pecan, Chocolate Chip Mint, Orange Cream, and Salted Caramel, to name a few).

After a smooth opening in Lakewood Ranch and another in University Park, Rita’s Italian Ice may become one of the area’s favorite summertime sweet stops.

You can keep up with all things Rita’s by following @ritasice on Instagram.

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