The good people at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard say that “Ice Custard Happiness” is their way of life. “We’re passionate about delivering super-friendly guest service and providing our guests with a cool, smooth, delightfully happy treat experience. If you’re looking to build memories, celebrate special moments, mark traditions, or simply need a pick-me-up, our fresh, tasty treats are guaranteed to do the trick. The best part? We take great pride in serving them to our community—and always with a side of happy.”
It all started, they say, in the summer of 1984. “Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, opened a small Italian Ice business on his front porch in a suburb of Philly. That first shop, named after his wife, Rita, was created to offer the best-tasting, highest-quality Italian Ice. Today, Rita’s is in over 30 states, serving up Ice, Custard, and Happiness to millions of loyal fans.”
The Palms location couldn’t be better placed; it’s in the same strip as vegan joint Julie Goes Green, and Asian beverage store Ume Tea, and it’s across the street from the phenomenal Hinodeya Ramen. And so it was that we were in the area to review one of those restaurants and figured we’d try one of Rita’s celebrated milkshakes.
We went for the strawberry shake, and at first glance it’s a fairly classic shake. What gives it a little edge is that it’s apparently made with frozen custard rather than ice-cream, and then blended with milk as is the norm.
Topped with whipped cream, it’s an extremely tasty milkshake. The strawberry is lively and cheeky, while the custard is a bit richer than its ice-cream counterpart. The shake is filling, and very satisfying. Good for the belly? No, but we all need a sweet treat now and again.
Plus, it’s good to know that Rita’s looks beyond desserts and likes to help the local communities that it serves: “Whether it’s in the individual neighborhoods where we operate or the states we call home, Rita’s passion goes beyond just serving Ice, Custard, and Happiness. Our passion for doing good in the communities in which we live and serve our guests is just as strong. Our footprint in the community is a year-round commitment to helping schools, sports teams, charities, and organizations. It’s just another way we deliver on our brand promise of Happiness.”
Rita just can’t help but give back.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is located at 11134 Palms Blvd., Los Angeles 90034. Contact 310-439-1582, or visit ritasice.com.