This Family-Run Rita’s Is Serving Up More Than Just Water Ice
Picture this - you just got handed a cherry gelati after a day at the Cove. As you bite your first spoonful, that familiar flavor and texture of Rita's Water Ice and Custard hits like nothing else. Summer in Brigantine wouldn't be the same without it.
But it wasn't always this way. The Tates opened Rita's in July 2022 filling a need the family noticed on the island.
"We just thought there was still a need for it, especially in the center of town," said owner Jill Tate, who runs Rita's alongside her husband Chris and their three girls.
Now in its fourth year of business, Rita's has evolved into a community hot spot, offering a place to cool down and hang out with friends and indulge in fine crafted sweet treats. Each Rita's water ice product has its own recipe and strict rules for freezing, creating that delicious spoonful that you love each and every time you take a bite
Rita's has take out options to grab and enjoy on the spot or bring home for an anytime snack. And they offer on the go and on the spot catering, too.
Wedding in Atlantic City catered by Rita’s Water Ice
The menu at Rita's is a perfect blend of classic hits and new offerings including the Blendini, Gelati, Concrete, Gelati Blender, Ice Blender, milkshakes, water ice, and custard with tons of toppings. These treats range from simple to outrageous. Example? The concrete is a blend of custard and toppings, spun to create an empty center, that's filled with fudge or peanut butter.
As for water ice flavors, a quick spin across the website and you'll come across a mind-numbing amount of options including Dr. Pepper, Unicorn, Raspberries and Cream, Nerds Grape, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Kool Aid, and so much more. And now it's easier to get than ever for the ultimate customized concoction.
Wedding in Atlantic City catered by Rita’s Water Ice
"We have a lot of new happenings this year like online ordering," said Jill. "And catering for parties and fundraisers. If you're having an event at the beach and a bunch of people coming over, you need a quick easy fun dessert. We can put together almost anything. Any size pack from quarts up to two and a half gallon buckets. We catered a wedding last summer over in Atlantic City. We also had something that was really awesome - ice cream sandwiches. They were such a hit. There's a choice of cookie - either Oreo cookies or chocolate chip with the custard in the middle."
Kids birthday party at Rita’s Water Ice in Brigantine, NJ
Lucky for all of us, Rita's has these sandwiches and a few more ready to eat treats available in shop. They come in six packs in the freezer, or you can always order up a custom sandwich at the window. Choose a cookie and a custard flavor - in addition to the classic vanilla, chocolate, and swirl, there's mint, raspberry, and cotton candy.
If you're more of a custard purist, Rita's has you covered.
"You can take home just custard," explained Jill. "We do pint size custards, like a little Ben & Jerry's size."
Rita's also offers rewards for loyal customers with deals like two punch Tuesday, where purchases on that day get doubled down so to speak. Get a free treat on every eighth visit.
There are other ways to save too. Jill is excited for the return of Rita's Happy Hour, where her team offers cool specials daily during the mid-afternoon hours.
Most of the menu pricing hasn't changed from last year, either, with some products even going down in price.
One thing you'll also notice stayed the same? The smiling faces behind the window. Jill and Chris' daughters are all back as well as other longtime team members.
"We're very blessed to have good staff," said Jill.
The Tates also run the Rita's on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, where you'll find the same delish sweet treats, specials, and rewards.
1301 West Brigantine Ave Unit #1301 Front
Brigantine, NJ
Phone: 609-266-0006
www.ritasice.com/location/ritas-of-brigantine-nj/
Email: store1474@ritasfranchises.com
Facebook: @RitasOfBrigantineNJ
Instagram: @ritasice