Restaurant Review: Rita’s Water Ice

During the sweltering summer of 1984, retired Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo decided to supplement his income and open an Italian Ice business.

Bob and his mother, Elizabeth Tumolo, named the business after Bob's wife, Rita, and set to work creating their product fresh daily.

Together, they refined the flavors and consistency of the frozen treat. Chunks of fresh fruit were added to enhance the taste. Unused product was discarded after 36 hours.

Their Italian ice, also known as "water ice," was a big hit with Philadelphians—perhaps the most discriminating water ice eaters in the United States.

Rita's Water Ice ™ has since grown from the porch of a home in Bensalem, Pa. into a business with 500 locations.

Maureen Ruongrat has managed the Minnieville Road location since it opened in February. Its distinctive red and white awning is easy to spot amidst other shops in its little strip mall.

The affable Ruongrat epitomizes the store's concept: "Ice,  custard, happiness." The tag line is more than just a saying, she said. Each customer is treated like a guest.

"We can accommodate. People can be creative as long as we don't compromise the quality of our product," Ruongrat said.

Rita's has a total of 52 ice flavors, with at least 10 available daily.

Customers may call in the morning to inquire or request a flavor and Rita's accommodates when possible.

Vanilla, mango and cherry ice are staples and cotton candy is popular with the younger crowd.

"Rita's is a nut-free zone; the only nuts are the employees," Ruongrat said with a chuckle. "We have customers with nut allergies that visit regularly because our company eliminates the risk."

New flavors are always in the making. Be on watch for blue raspberry, Swedish Fish ™, and caramel apple and at least one sugar-free selection is offered daily, in kid-size cups ($1.55), regular ($2.25) and large ($2.75).

Rita's also offers a cream ice, made with powdered cream, in pistachio, Cookies 'n' Cream ™, cappuccino cream and birthday cake—a favorite.

Rich and creamy custard is still another option. Chocolate and vanilla—or a twist of both—is always on hand. Coffee, orange cream, or strawberry may also be available. Fat-free vanilla custard, called Slenderita™, is offered daily for the same price as regular custard (from $2.20 for a kid-size to $3.50 for large).

Get creative and make your own Blendini ™ (just under $4)—your choice of ice and custard are blended with select cookie or pretzel bits to create a thick treat you eat with a spoon. Or, build a Rita's Gelati ™ where your favorite flavor of ice and custard are layered in a cup. The Misto™ is similar to Gelati but served with a lid and a straw.

One of Rita's newest items is a frozen coffee beverage, called Ritaccino ($3.99). This slushy iced coffee is flavored with your choice of vanilla or chocolate. And Ruongrat created the "Rita Palmer" a unique blend of sweet tea and lemonade flavored ices.

This family-friendly venue offers cartoons on Saturday mornings, basketball and football during season and even "American Idol" from a 47-inch screen television in the front of the shop.

True to "RITAS" values—Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Service—free ice coupons are liberally distributed to schools, apartment complexes and organizations.

"For everything you give away, you get back more," Ruongrat said.

Rita's is working on developing programs with daycares, nursing homes and other outside venues.

Scraping out a spoonful of ice for me to sample, Ruongrat said, "I need to make it happy—give it a little love!"

This bright, colorful destination is sure to put a smile on the face of any guest.

Mary Ann Kauchak can be reached at .

WANT TO GO?

» RITA'S WATER ICE, 13350 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge (across from Kohl's)

» CALL: 703-680-6803

» HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

» INFO: http://www.ritasice.com

» HELP: Customers may purchase a paper lemon ($1) to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a non-profit organization, named for the late Alexandra "Alex" Scott and funds pediatric cancer research. Promotion runs through June 30.