Rochester, N.Y., AUGUST 21, 2013 – The first Rita’s Italian Ice to open in the Rochester Region is now serving up cool treats in the Tops Brighton Plaza.  Rita’s is the nation’s largest Italian Ice concept, offering a unique product line that combines Italian Ice treats with traditional old fashioned custard. Rita’s has hired 20 ‘Treat Team’ members locally to make their products fresh daily with real fruit.

Representatives from DiMarco Group, owners of the plaza, along with local leaders from the Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Brighton Supervisor, NY State Senator Joseph Robach and other community businesses, all joined in a ceremonial ribbon cutting recently to welcome Rita’s to the area.   Local franchise owners Todd and Danielle James hosted the ceremony where Rita’s presented a $500 donation to Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Rita’s joins the currently expanding Tops Friendly Market in the plaza located at 1900 Clinton Ave.  The entire plaza is in the midst of a redevelopment project which will update the façade and add pedestrian areas to create an enhanced shopping and dining experience.

DiMarco Constructors completed the build out of the Rita’s space in just a couple months’ time. The store has actually been open for a few weeks – serving up their menu of traditional Italian Ice and Frozen Custard.  In addition, the menu features Misto® Shakes, a combination of Italian Ice and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard blended into a customizable treat. They also offer a personalized Blendini®, which is Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard and Italian Ice with a choice of mix-ins such as Snickers® blended together. They round out their unique offerings with the Gelati, a choice of Italian Ice layered with Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard.

“Rita’s is a great addition to the Rochester Region and the Tops Brighton Plaza,” said Paul Colucci, VP for DiMarco Group. “Everyone who has ever experienced a Rita’s treat has told us how excited they are to see this incredible franchise welcomed into the area. The Rita’s opening is just another step to create a unique shopping and dining experience that is unique to our plaza.”