Franchise Approval Process

Congratulations! You have just taken the first step in securing your future with the number one Italian Ice franchise in the country. We are glad that you have chosen Rita's Italian Ice as a possible opportunity. We look forward to speaking to you, answering your questions, and developing a successful business relationship.

Step 1: Complete and submit the Confidential Application

• The first step toward owning your own Rita’s franchise is to submit your request for information. Rita’s Franchise Development coordinator will then contact you to provide you with an introduction to Rita’s and discuss next steps. Prior to requesting information, we encourage you to attend a live webinar or view one of our pre-recorded webinars.  

Step 2: Franchise Licensing Manager Call

• The next step in Rita’s approval process is to submit your Confidential Application. Once you are preliminarily approved you will work with your Franchise Licensing Manager who will review your Confidential Application and your plans to develop and operate your Rita’s.    

Step 3: Franchise Disclosure Document and Due Diligence

• After review of your application we will provide you with our Franchise Disclosure Document, commonly referred to as the FDD. This document is required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and explains in detail a Rita's franchise. We highly recommend that you thoroughly review this document, which contains highly pertinent information regarding our company's background, our franchise business program, and preview copies of any documents you will sign when becoming a franchisee.
• Your Franchise Licensing Manager will answer any of your questions related to the FDD and help you make arrangements to speak with some of our Franchise Partners to discuss the franchise opportunity and their personal experiences as Rita's Franchise Partners.  

Step 4: Participate in an Evaluation Call

• One of our Franchise Service Managers will conduct an evaluation call to answer any questions you may have and to conduct an interview to ensure that you becoming a Rita’s Franchise Partner is a good fit for you and for Rita’s.  

Step 5: Attend a Rita's Discovery Day at our Cool Support Center

• Once you complete successful evaluation call, your next step will be to visit our corporate office in Trevose, PA., a suburb of Philadelphia. At that time you will learn about each department’s role in the Franchise Partner support system and you will have the opportunity for one on one interviews with Rita’s executive committee.  You will also tour our training facility, "Cool University."

Step 6: Sign Franchise Agreements

• Upon final approval by our executive committee the next step in the process will be the signing of your franchise agreements and paying the franchise fee.
• Once we have countersigned your agreement, you are now officially a Rita's Franchise Partner! Our development team will begin working directly with you to open your store as quickly and efficiently as possible!