US based company Rita’s Italian Ice is currently on the look-out for an Australian master franchisee or an area licensee with a minimum commitment of ten units.

Since its inception in 1984, the company has filled a gap in the market for cool treats that are made of neither ice cream nor frozen yoghurt, but ice.

The company’s signature dessert, Italian Ice, is made using a simple formula: ice and fresh fruit.

It is available in over 30 different flavours, including banana, chocolate, cotton candy, guava, mango, margarita, pina colada and watermelon.

The company offers a range of other dessert options including frozen custard, milkshakes, gelato and cakes, along with it’s trademarked desserts Misto, Blendini and Slenderita.

Rita’s Italian Ice franchises operate as mobile food carts, food court concessions and standalone stores.

There are currently 600 units in operation throughout the USA, Canada, India and Southern China, and the company now has its sights set on Australia.

In the US, a single unit franchise costs from anywhere between AUD $100,000 and $325,000.

Interested franchisees in Australia would need to have approximately AUD $450,000 to $750,000 in available capital, as well as marketing talent and food service experience.

In Australia, The Franchise Shop is representing EGS LLS, the Californian franchise management firm that represents the company outside of the US and Canada. 

Members of The Franchise Shop team will be available to meet interested franchisees on 5-6 February in Sydney or on 7-8 February in Melbourne.