Winner of Rita's "Mystery Ice Flavor Contest" Declared
Trevose, PA (April 27, 2009) – The secret has been revealed and Rita's "Mystery Ice" flavor is a mystery no more. After receiving almost 30,000 name submissions for an online naming contest, Rita's—the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation—today announced that Little Falls, NJ resident Linda Fegely is the contest winner. Fegely submitted the winning name—RitaBerrious—and was selected by the company from among the top ten submissions.
As the winner of the contest, Fegely will receive free Rita's Italian Ice for one year. In addition to the tasty prize, the company will officially name the new flavor RitaBerrious in all of its over 550 locations. The flavor's ingredients, kept secret until today, have also been released. RitaBerrious Italian Ice is a delicious blend of elderberry juice and lime juice, plus blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and tea extracts.
"We were also thrilled with the overwhelming number of guests who participated in our online contest and submitted such creative names," said Jim Rudolph, Rita's Chairman and CEO. "We are excited that the name and ingredients of the new flavor are no longer a mystery."
Fegely's submission was one of nearly 30,000 entries in an online contest hosted by Rita's to promote the company's newest Italian Ice flavor and determine a name. The contest, which began in March on the first day of spring, invited Rita's Guests to visit their local store and taste the secret-flavored Italian Ice. Guests could either submit their suggested name for the flavor or vote for their favorite name submission at www.ritasice.com.
In addition to RitaBerrious Italian Ice, Rita's fans can also enjoy over 40 more sweet and refreshing Italian Ice flavors, all made fresh daily at each location. From classics like Cherry and Mango to favorites like Twisted Melon and Mint Chocolate Chip, there's a tempting flavor for every taste bud. Cones, custard, and other sweet treats are also available at Rita's, including Gelatis and the signature Misto® and Blendiniä creations.
About Rita's Franchise Company Rita's Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 17 states with more than 550 stores. Rita's brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happinessä. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, and layered Gelati, as well as its signature Mistoä and Blendiniä creations. Rita's was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's ‘Startup Journal.' For more information about Rita's Franchise Company, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com.
