Local entrepreneur Carrie Booth to lead family-owned group, opening three Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard shops across Dallas–Fort Worth
Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is continuing its expansion in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex with a new multi-unit franchise agreement with local owner Carrie Booth and her family. The Booths will open three Rita’s shops across Dallas, Plano and Frisco, marking the next step in the brand’s broader strategy to scale across Texas and other high-growth Sunbelt markets.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, the Booths developed a lasting connection to Rita’s while living in Maryland, where summer trips to the Bethany Beach shop became a family tradition. After moving to Dallas nine years ago, they saw a clear gap in the local frozen dessert market and recognized an opportunity to bring a beloved East Coast favorite to their new home.
“Our family connection to Rita’s runs deep,” said Carrie Booth. “For us, Rita’s has always been more than a dessert shop. It’s a place that creates comfort, joy and community. We can’t wait to bring that same experience to families across North Texas.”
Carrie, who brings a background in leadership, customer experience and community engagement, will lead day-to-day operations and team development across the family’s shops. The Booths plan to open their first Rita’s location in 2026, followed by additional shops in 2027 and 2028.
“Carrie brings strong leadership and a people-first approach that aligns perfectly with our values,” said Lawrence Brown, chief development officer of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. “Her vision for empowering young team members and building community makes her a great ambassador for the brand.”
The Booths’ agreement follows a strong year of franchise momentum for Rita’s, which is on track to open nearly 40 new locations nationwide in 2025. Ranked among QSR Magazine’s 16 best franchise deals for 2025, the brand has identified North Texas as a key development hub with plans for more than 20 locations in the region over the next five years.
“Texas has quickly become one of our most promising growth markets,” added Brown. “We’ve seen incredible performance from our existing DFW shops, and the Booths’ commitment to expanding our footprint reinforces that there’s real opportunity here.”
Rita’s strategic expansion in DFW reflects the brand’s focus on high-potential Sunbelt markets and its investment in drive-thru-focused growth. These smaller, flexible shops have proven to outperform traditional formats, meeting consumer demand for convenience while delivering strong results for franchisees.
With three locations already open in Bedford and Arlington, Rita’s has quickly gained a local following, with its Bedford shop now ranking as the top-selling catering location in the country. The brand’s unique combination of freshly made Italian Ice, creamy frozen custard and customizable treats continues to resonate with guests looking for something beyond traditional ice cream or milkshakes.
Prospective franchisees and property owners interested in opportunities in their area can visit OwnARitasFranchise.com and fill out a short contact form.
About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its doors in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!” ever since. Now, Rita’s is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 575 shops. Guests around the world visit Rita’s to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and signature Frozen Custard, Rita’s serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. As the brand continues to grow, Rita’s is actively seeking passionate franchise owners who want to bring its beloved treats to more communities. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit OwnARitasFranchise.com or call 1-800-677-7482.
Contact:
Betsy DeMik
Champion
972-930-9933
bdemik@championmgt.com