Rita’s Italian Ice Opens North Atherton Street Location

Rita’s Italian Ice and Custard opened on Monday at its new State College area location.

A spokesperson for the Bensalem-based company previously said that the shop at 1609 N. Atherton St., next to Champs Sports Grill, was to open on June 15. After a slight delay, the local franchise began serving up summertime sweet treats on Monday afternoon.

Rita’s operated at 119 E. Beaver Ave. in downtown State College from 2007 until last year, when a sign was posted in the window stating the franchise would be moving to North Atherton Street in 2021.

The store currently has four employees is hiring now.

Founded in 1984, Rita’s now has about 600 locations in 30 states offering Italian ice, frozen custard and gelati.

Rita’s locations are typically open seasonally from March through September.

The North Atherton Street location will be open noon to 10 p.m. daily with walkup service only. Parking is available behind the building and behind Champs.