It takes but fresh fruit and a bit of ice to make many of Rita’s of Bridgeport’s signature treats, whose ingredients are made daily. More than 50 rotating flavors—such as Swedish Fish and mango peach—come in standard and sugar-free varieties to cool down most any craving. Customers can order their ices straight up or blend or layer them with decadent frozen custard in seven flavors, such as strawberry, coffee, and light vanilla. The custards come Italian ice-free as well, spiraled into cones or cups with sprinkles and hot fudge or blended with candy mix-ins.

When not serving the masses, Rita’s tends to the needs of local groups and organizations with fundraising opportunities. Sports teams and schools can organize money-raising “scoop nights,” sell quarts of custard around town, or purchase gift cards.