PHILADELPHIA, PA — Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is expanding its limited-time summer lineup with a Shirley Temple-inspired Italian Ice beginning July 20, as restaurant chains continue using nostalgic flavors to drive seasonal traffic.
The new offering recreates the classic soft drink’s cherry-and-citrus flavor profile in an Italian Ice topped with a decorative “Shirley Sparkle” garnish. The product will be available for a limited time at participating Rita’s locations.
The Philadelphia-area frozen dessert chain is also introducing three menu items built around the new flavor.
Customers will be able to order a Shirley Temple Ice Gelati featuring layers of vanilla frozen custard and Shirley Temple Italian Ice, a Shirley Temple Ice Blender made with blended Italian Ice, and a Shirley Temple Misto Shake combining vanilla frozen custard with the new Italian Ice flavor.
Carmela Hughley, Rita’s senior vice president of marketing insights and innovation, said the company developed the product in response to renewed consumer interest in nostalgic flavors. “The Shirley Temple has captured everyone’s attention while remaining a timeless favorite, and we were excited to reimagine its iconic sweet cherry-citrus flavor as an Italian Ice.”
The company indicated the product launch is part of a broader summer promotional campaign that will include additional limited-time offerings and customer experiences later this month.
Rita’s, which operates the world’s largest Italian Ice franchise system, said the Shirley Temple products will be available while supplies last at participating locations.
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