New Holland, Pa. - 26 July, 2006 -

Rita's Ices, Cones, Shakes and Other Cool Stuff, the nation's largest Italian Ice chain, recently opened a store in New Holland, Lancaster County. The new store, at 870 West Main St., is owned and operated by the Hollinger family, local entrepreneurs who also own a couple of car washes and Laundromats. The Hollinger family's three sons introduced their parents to Rita's a few years ago, when the boys brought the icy treats back from out of town. "It was a nice alternative to regular ice cream," said Ed Hollinger. And when the Hollinger's purchased land adjacent to one of their other businesses that included an old ice cream stand, they thought: "Rita's." Turned out the old stand had to be torn down, though, and now a new Rita's is there, New Holland's first. While dad, Ed, and oldest son, Brian, 21, run the car washes, mom, Jane, and her two younger sons will run the Rita's. Jeremy, 18, is off to college in August, so he will only help during summer vacations, but Kevin, 17, will graduate from Garden Spot High School in January. Kevin has an interest in business management, so eventually he'll be taking over managing the store, his father said. "Since he's graduating early, he'll be able to start our first full Rita's year when we open for the season again next March," said Hollinger. Rita's New Holland, which also serves sugar-free ices, is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Rita's Italian Ices are made daily and available in more than 30 different flavors. Rita's old-fashioned Frozen Custard, available in chocolate and vanilla, can be served in either a cone or cup. Rita's famous Gelati provide frozen dessert fans with the best of both worlds with its layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. Rita's Misto, the coolest name in shakes, is a blend of Italian ice and creamy custard that when blended, forms a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed on the go. Rita's also offers Cream Ices for those who prefer a treat that is smoother and richer than Italian ice, but not as heavy as traditional ice cream. Today Rita's is the nation's largest Italian Ice chain with more than 370 locations operating and another 30 under construction throughout the East Coast and as far west as Ohio. Rita's was recently named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's ‘Startup Journal'. Franchise information can be obtained by calling 1-800-677-RITA or visiting Rita's on line at www.ritasice.com.

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