Rita's was founded in May 1984[5] by former Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo with a recipe that his mother made that he then adjusted to enhance the flavors and include real fruit.

In 1989, the family decided to franchise their business, and there are now over 600 locations in 30 states[citation needed] and Washington, D.C. that serve 45,000 people daily.

[7][8] McKnight Capital Partners recognized the organization's growth potential and set into place plans to expand the company.

[9] In 2011, Falconhead Capital purchased a controlling interest in the company from an investment group led by Jim Rudolph.

[citation needed] On June 29, 2012, Rita's partnered with Cadbury again to release its Sour Patch Kids Red water ice flavor.