If you’re a North Texas resident who loves a perfect blend of frosty Italian Ice and rich Frozen Custard, get ready to celebrate! Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is sweetening up the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex in a big way with a new multi-unit franchise agreement.
Local owner Carrie Booth and her family are spearheading the expansion, planning to open three new Rita’s shops across Dallas, Plano, and Frisco over the next few years, starting in 2026. This move is part of Rita’s broader, strategic plan to scale across high-growth markets like Texas.
From Beach Tradition to Texas Treat
The Booth family’s connection to Rita’s is a story of East Coast nostalgia meeting Texas opportunity. After moving to Dallas nine years ago from the Washington, D.C. area, they sorely missed the tradition of summer trips to their favorite Rita’s shop in Bethany Beach, Maryland. They quickly spotted a gap in the local frozen dessert market and realized they had the perfect opportunity to bring their beloved East Coast treat home.
“Our family connection to Rita’s runs deep,” said Carrie Booth. “For us, Rita’s has always been more than a dessert shop. It’s a place that creates comfort, joy and community. We can’t wait to bring that same experience to families across North Texas.”
With Carrie’s background in leadership and community engagement, the family plans to prioritize customer experience and team development across their new shops.
A Key Ingredient in a Growing Market
The excitement over the Booths’ agreement reflects a very strong year for Rita’s, which is on track to open nearly 40 new locations nationwide in 2025. The brand sees North Texas as a major development hub, with plans for more than 20 locations in the region over the next five years!
“Texas has quickly become one of our most promising growth markets,” said Lawrence Brown, chief development officer of Rita’s. “We’ve seen incredible performance from our existing DFW shops… and the Booths’ commitment to expanding our footprint reinforces that there’s real opportunity here.”
In fact, the three existing DFW shops – in Bedford and Arlington – have already gained a huge local following, with the Bedford location ranking as the top-selling catering spot in the entire country! It seems the unique combination of freshly made Italian Ice, creamy frozen custard, and customizable treats is a huge hit with Texans looking for something beyond the typical ice cream or milkshake.
Get ready to mark your calendars for 2026, when the first new Rita’s shop opens its doors to bring Ice, Custard, and Happiness to Dallas, Plano, or Frisco!
Prospective franchisees and property owners interested in opportunities in their area can visit OwnARitasFranchise.com and fill out a short contact form or call 1-800-677-7482.