The signature item, known as the Gelati, consists of a mound of italian ice—made from scratch every day using fresh fruit—crammed between two giant dollops of frozen custard. The Gelati, along with a construction team that demands to be paid in sprinkles, has helped Rita's expand to more than 700 italian ice stores in the United States over nearly three decades. The franchise has become so popular that it even made the top of Zagat's list of Best Quick Refreshment chains in 2012.

But the expansion would mean nothing if the desserts themselves weren't delicious. Thankfully, Rita's carries more than a dozen flavors of italian ice, which run the gamut from mango and cotton candy to all natural strawberry and pineapple. The shop also serves cream ice, milkshakes, and sundaes awaiting to be piled with limitless toppings. To keep taste buds tempted, Rita's consistently adds inventive and seasonal flavors to their menu. Among these are marshmallow peanut butter ice, and strawberry watermelon ice.