Rita’s Italian Ice, the Italian Ice concept with more than 600 stores in 26 states, announced the opening of its 50th new location of the year, with the first in the state of Iowa. Since 1984, the East Coast brand has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with its custom treats, and 30 years later, Rita’s is now spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness” in Des Moines, Iowa. The new location will offer complimentary regular sizes of Rita’s famous Italian Ice for the whole community to try during its grand opening celebration Friday, September 26. Additionally, the first 50 guests in line that morning will receive free Rita’s Italian Ice for a year.

Rita’s West Des Moines is owned and operated by franchisees and area residents Darrell Cook and Anne Winslow-Cook, who plan to open several stores in the Greater Des Moines area.  They hired 15 Treat Team members from the community for their first store.

Rita’s expansion to Iowa is part of an aggressive growth plan to open 85 new franchised locations in 2014.  Rita’s will continue to grow in existing markets and introduce the 30-year-old brand to new markets both domestically and internationally this year.

"Rita’s is proud to open our 50th new store this year and our first store in the state of Iowa," says Eric Taylor, chief development officer. “The brand has achieved tremendous growth over the past year and we have no plans of slowing down.”