Rita’s Italian Ice, the world’s largest Italian Ice concept with more than 600 stores, Thursday officially announced the opening of its second store featuring a Sandella’s Flatbread Café. The Chattanooga store, located in downtown Chattanooga at 100 Market St., has been serving Rita’s signature “cool treats” since 2011 and has expanded its product offerings to include Sandella’s artisan wraps, paninis, quesadillas, and grilled flatbread pizzas all prepared on their proprietary brick oven baked flatbread.
“Since we welcomed the brand to Chattanooga, locals have become huge fans of Rita’s and its ‘cool treats’,” said local franchisee, Robert Pompilio. “Now that we can offer a full menu, I expect our store to become a staple in the area for families looking to enjoy a healthy lunch or dinner and treat all in one, fun and cheerful environment. I can’t wait to see the reaction from guests.”
The expanded store will provide guests with a casual dining area — all in the same location as Rita’s Italian Ice, which will continue serving its signature Italian Ice and Frozen Custard treats.
“Our goal,” says Mike Stimola, founder and president of Sandella’s, “has been to provide great tasting, high quality, healthy food for guests that can be made with simple operating systems and low cost build-outs for the operator. Sandella’s can virtually be placed anywhere.”
“Our first Rita’s featuring Sandella’s Flatbread Café has already seen huge success in the few months its been up and running and we’re constantly looking for new franchisees to bring this powerful duo to their own local community,” added Jeff Moody, CEO of Rita’s Franchise Company.
With more than 30 years in business, Rita’s Italian Ice has been expanding across the United States and internationally with new concepts and locations now open in the Philippines and coming soon in Canada and the Middle East. For more information on purchasing a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise, please visit www.ownaritas.com.