Rita's Italian Ice®, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores, now in 22 states, has awarded franchise and area development agreements for the state of Alabama to franchisees, local residents and Veterans, Doug Portrey and Rob Tarr.

Having grown up with Rita's and vacationed in the Gulf Shores, Portrey and Tarr realized it was time to bring Rita's refreshing Italian Ice, Frozen Custard and "Happiness" to the white sugar sandy beaches of the gulf shores. Plans call for two Rita's stores opening this year and more stores over the next 5 years; beginning with the first Rita's now open in Foley.

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Source: http://finance.yahoo.com