Rita's Italian Ice Kicks Off Spring with Free Ice Giveaway and New Flavor

Spring is Here: Rita's Celebrates with Free Ice and New Flavor

As the chill of winter fades away, Rita's Italian Ice heralds the arrival of spring with delicious offerings that many fans eagerly await. This year, Rita's invites guests to savor a FREE 6-ounce serving of Italian Ice on March 20, marking the first official day of spring. For millions, there's no better way to greet the season.

Rita's is not just serving up its signature Italian Ice; it's also debuting a tantalizing collaboration with the beloved PEEPS® brand. Fans will find themselves excitedly guessing the new Mystery PEEPS® Italian Ice flavor, adding an element of fun to the seasonal celebration. Starting on March 1, Rita's has opened its doors nationwide, offering freshly made Italian Ice and Frozen Custard to mark the return of warmer days.

A Generous Giveaway

On March 20, the anticipation culminates in a remarkable giveaway. Rita’s shops across the country will give away around one million servings of their renowned Italian Ice, a testament to the brand's popularity and the joy it brings as spring arrives. The giveaway represents a cherished tradition for many, and it's a time when communities come together to indulge in delicious sweets.

Introducing the Mystery Flavor

The highlight of this spring's festivities is undoubtedly the launch of the Mystery PEEPS® Italian Ice Flavor. This enticing treat aims to capture the delightful sweetness of the iconic Marshmallow candy but is cleverly crafted as a refreshing Italian Ice. The fun doesn't stop there; Rita's adds a whimsical Marshmallow Chick topper to enhance the experience.

The challenge for guests begins from March 20 to March 29, where they can engage in a guessing game related to the Mystery Flavor. With its distinct white appearance, the Italian Ice keeps fans guessing, combining taste-testing with a fun guessing contest. Participants can submit their guesses via Rita's website for a chance to win exciting prizes, including free ice for a year and exclusive Rita's + PEEPS® merchandise. The contest aims to deepen the interaction between fans and the brand, creating treasured memories with each visit.

Community Connection

Carmela Hughley, SVP of Marketing Insights and Innovation at Rita's, shares how the collaboration with PEEPS® taps into the nostalgia and joy that define springtime. This partnership is a natural fit, according to Caitlin Servian, Brand Manager for PEEPS®, allowing fans to explore a beloved flavor in a fresh format.

Rita's commitment to innovation continues with the Mystery PEEPS® Italian Ice, complementing an exciting lineup of seven new flavors for 2026. This innovation shows Rita's dedication to evolving its offerings while maintaining the fun and joy that each customer expects.

To enjoy more delightful treats, fans can download the Rita's Ice app, where new members are welcomed with a gift of free ice upon their first order. This move not only rewards loyal customers but also creates a community of fans who can explore the vast array of over 80 daily flavors available at Rita's locations.

Rita's Italian Ice, founded in 1984, has consistently delighted guests with its made-fresh-daily Italian Ice, fulfilling its motto of “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” Their continued growth and commitment to quality have ensured that Rita's remains the largest Italian Ice concept worldwide, spreading joy and delightful flavors to communities.

As we embrace the sweetness of spring, make sure to visit your local Rita's to partake in the festivities, indulge in tasty treats, and make cherished memories with family and friends. For those looking for more information or to find a nearby location, visit Rita's official website.