By Trent Modglin

157 N. Northwest Highway in Park Ridge.
Summer hours of operation: 12-10 p.m. daily.
847-696-7189.
RitasIce.com
Email for orders or catering info: RitasIcePR@gmail.com

What led them to open in Park Ridge
Jill Spellman, who owns Rita’s with her husband, Jim Haran, grew up on the south side and always had fond memories of her family’s summer treks to the iconic Rainbow Cone on Western Avenue. “It just felt like such a happy, great vibe back then, and I wanted to bring that feeling near me.”

Jim had previously owned a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise and, while raising their family in the Wildwood neighborhood of NW Chicago, they kept their eyes peeled for a similar opportunity. They had cousins who grew up in Park Ridge so they knew the area well, and while driving through town a few years ago, they fell in love with the corner of Northwest Highway near the baseball diamonds and football field at Hinkley Park.

After a delayed opening due to Covid, they served their first cup of Italian ice in September of 2021.

The vibe
Rita’s is one happening spot, especially on summer evenings or when a baseball or softball game lets out nearby. It boasts a bright and inviting interior with a few tables and barstools overlooking the street and plenty of additional space to enjoy a treat in the side yard. For faster service — primarily for those who know exactly what they want — they opened a pick-up window for grab-and-go visits through Labor Day from 6-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

Samples, samples everywhere
Not sure which flavor of Italian ice you’re favoring? Not to worry, as they’ll let you sample a few before taking the plunge. If the staff sees you even pondering a decision for a few seconds, they don’t hesitate to offer a sample or three. “We go through a gazillion little tasting spoons, but that’s the fun of it, right?” Jill says with a laugh.

Not sure which flavor of Italian ice you’re favoring? Not to worry. “We go through a gazillion little tasting spoons, but that’s the fun of it, right?” Jill says with a laugh.

Offerings
The sheer number of options at Rita’s can be a little daunting, no matter if it’s your first visit or you’re a regular customer. Italian ice, frozen custard, gelati (a “little dose of deliciousness,” better known as a blend of creamy frozen custard and Italian ice), sundaes, concretes (thick frozen custard with two candy toppings blended in with a complimentary “stuffing” like hot fudge or peanut butter sauce), blendinis (ice, frozen custard and a topping), misto shakes, milkshakes, custard cookie sandwiches and more. In other words, there’s truly something for every sweet tooth. The combinations are virtually limitless.

“Mixing half custard and half Italian ice — we should never think to mix them up, but it works” Jill admits. “It really, really works.”

Truly, every time we think we settle in on a favorite item or two, we discover something new and exciting on the next visit and get diverted easily — in a good way. It’s just that kind of place.

Rita’s offers 16 different Italian ice flavors and five frozen custard flavors (chocolate, vanilla and twist are mainstays), two of which are considered specialty flavors (like banana, cotton candy, strawberry, coffee, black raspberry, salted caramel, orange and mint) that get rotated out every two weeks, making each visit feel like a new experience.

Truly, every time we think we settle in on a favorite item or two, we discover something new and exciting on the next visit and get diverted easily — in a good way. It’s just that kind of place.

Deals
If you download the Rita’s app, you get a free Italian ice, and on your seventh visit, you get rewarded again with a free ice, custard or gelati. Also, you can save $5 when purchasing three gallons vs. just one or two.

Catering
Have a gathering coming up? You can pick up a sampler pack, buy gallons or quarts to go, or even rent their new food truck that’s perfect for block parties, graduation or birthday parties, and other events.

What’s new this season
“We’re brewing our own frozen coffee this summer in flavors like mocha, caramel or regular,” Jill tells us. “It’s going to be a hit. So delicious.”

“And we’re connecting with so many awesome families that we’d love to sponsor some local baseball, softball and soccer teams.”

Making kids smile
“My favorite thing is having a group of kids walk in and listening to them talking about their favorite treats and ordering something they love. I think they like hanging here, and that’s what it’s all about.” — Owner Jill Spellman