Rita's Italian Ice Returns For New Season

The Bensalem-based business is spreading the news of free sweet treats and spring's upcoming arrival in the Philadelphia region.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is returning for another season, offering a free 6-ounce Italian Ice giveaway to guests at all 600-plus locations on the First Day of Spring on March 20. The company is also debuting a new mystery Peeps Italian Ice flavor and inviting fans to guess the flavor for a chance to win prizes.

Why it matters

Rita's Italian Ice is a beloved seasonal tradition that marks the arrival of spring for many in the Philadelphia region. The free giveaway and new Peeps flavor are ways for the company to engage with its loyal customer base and generate excitement around the start of the spring season.

The details

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard will celebrate the First Day of Spring on March 20 with the free Italian Ice giveaway. Starting March 1, Rita's locations nationwide officially opened, inviting guests to kick off the season with freshly made Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. From March 20-29, Rita's is also running a Mystery PEEPS® Italian Ice Flavor Guessing Contest, where fans can submit their flavor guess online for a chance to win prizes.

  • Rita's locations nationwide officially opened on March 1, 2026.
  • The First Day of Spring is on March 20, 2026.
  • The Mystery PEEPS® Italian Ice Flavor Guessing Contest will run from March 20-29, 2026.

The players

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

A Bensalem-based business that is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, with over 600 locations serving freshly made Italian Ice and signature Frozen Custard.

Peeps Brand

A brand that is joining forces with Rita's Italian Ice to debut a new mystery Peeps Italian Ice flavor.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

Rita's Italian Ice's annual spring giveaway and new Peeps flavor are beloved traditions that help mark the arrival of the spring season for many in the Philadelphia region, showcasing the company's ability to engage its loyal customer base and generate excitement around seasonal offerings.