Restaurants

Rita’s Italian ice and frozen custard is coming to Massachusetts this week

October 12, 2016

1 minute to read

Massachusetts is about to be introduced to “water ice” and frozen custard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCRSW7kO4BS/?taken-by=ritasice

The popular Pennsylvania-based Italian ice and frozen custard shop, Rita’s, is hosting the grand opening for its first Massachusetts location in Chelsea from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday.

https://www.facebook.com/Ritasofchelsea/posts/683047835194002

The company—known for its numerous Italian ice flavors (including Swedish Fish) and best-selling Gelati (Italian ice layered with frozen custard)—has over 600 locations around the country. Roxbury native Patricia Shelton announced in June 2015 that she planned to bring the franchise’s cool treats to up to 30 locations in the Boston area, including Jamaica Plain, Allston/Brighton, Roxbury, and Hingham, according to Eater Boston.

Located at 170 Everett Ave., in Chelsea, Rita’s will celebrate its grand opening and arrival to Massachusetts with free Italian ice all day, according to the Facebook event. Customers who make a donation of school supplies for Citizen Schools and sign up for Rita’s birthday club will also be in the running to win free Italian ice for a year.