Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard: What to Order and Where to Find Locations

Rita's serves Italian ice and frozen custard at multiple South Carolina locations

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a chain that operates across South Carolina, offering two distinct frozen desserts side by side. Italian ice is a denser, smoother product than soft-serve ice cream—it's churned less and contains no dairy, making it dairy-free by default. Frozen custard, by contrast, is a richer custard-based dessert that contains egg yolks and more fat than standard ice cream. At Rita's, you can order either one, or combine them in a single cup.

The chain has grown from a single Philadelphia location in 1984 to hundreds of shops nationwide. In South Carolina, Rita's operates in the Lowcountry, the Midlands, and the Upstate, with locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and surrounding areas. Hours and seasonal closures vary by location—many Rita's shops operate year-round in warmer climates but may close during winter months in cooler regions.

Key Takeaways

• Rita's offers Italian ice (dairy-free) and frozen custard (egg-based) as separate products you can order individually or blended together.
• Flavor rotations change daily at most locations, so the menu you see today may differ tomorrow—check the shop's posted flavor board or call ahead for specific flavors.
• South Carolina locations cluster in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, with hours and seasonal schedules that vary by shop.
• Rita's rewards program, called Rita's Rewards, tracks purchases and offers discounts on future orders when you sign up in-store or online.

Italian Ice vs. Frozen Custard: What's the difference

Italian ice is a frozen dessert made from fruit, sugar, and water—no cream or eggs. It has a smooth, dense texture and melts quickly on your tongue. Flavors tend toward fruit: cherry, watermelon, mango, and seasonal offerings like pumpkin in fall. Because it contains no dairy, it works for people avoiding milk products, though it is not always vegan (some recipes use egg white as a binder).

Frozen custard is made with cream, milk, and egg yolks, which gives it a richer mouthfeel and creamier taste than standard soft-serve ice cream. It's churned at a slower speed than ice cream, incorporating less air and creating a denser product. Custard flavors at Rita's include classics like vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan, plus rotating specials. A "Concrete" at Rita's is frozen custard blended with mix-ins—candy, cookies, fruit, or brownie pieces stirred in while you watch.

You can order a "Misto"—Italian ice and frozen custard swirled together in one cup. This combination gives you the lighter fruit flavor of ice and the richness of custard in a single serving.

Daily flavor rotations and seasonal specials

Rita's changes its Italian ice and frozen custard flavors on a rotating schedule. Most locations post a flavor calendar online or in the shop showing which flavors appear on which days. For example, Monday might feature cherry Italian ice and vanilla custard, while Tuesday rotates to watermelon ice and chocolate custard. This system means you cannot always order your favorite flavor on demand—timing matters.

Seasonal specials appear during holidays and specific times of year. Pumpkin Italian ice typically arrives in September and October. Peppermint and eggnog custard show up around the winter holidays. Summer brings tropical flavors like mango and pineapple. If you have a flavor preference, calling the shop directly is faster than guessing—staff can tell you today's lineup and when your preferred flavor is scheduled.

The rewards program tracks your visits and purchases. When you join Rita's Rewards in-store or through the Rita's app, you earn points toward free or discounted items. Points accumulate with each purchase, and the program often includes birthday rewards and seasonal promotions.

South Carolina locations and hours

Rita's operates in three main regions across South Carolina. The Charleston area has multiple locations, including shops in downtown Charleston and surrounding suburbs. The Columbia area serves the Midlands with locations in and around the capital. The Greenville area covers the Upstate with shops in Greenville proper and nearby communities.

Hours vary significantly by location and season. Many shops in warmer areas stay open year-round, operating seven days a week during peak months (May through September) and reducing hours in winter. Some Upstate locations close entirely during the coldest months. The best way to confirm current hours is to search "Rita's Italian Ice near me" on Google Maps or visit the Rita's website location finder, which shows hours, phone numbers, and directions for each shop.

Pricing and what to expect when you order

A single serving of Italian ice or frozen custard typically costs between $5 and $8, depending on size and location. A Concrete (custard with mix-ins) costs slightly more because of the added ingredients. A Misto (ice and custard combined) falls in the same range as a single product. Prices vary by individual franchise, so a shop in downtown Charleston may charge differently than one in a suburban strip mall.

When you order, you choose your size first, then your flavor. If you want a Concrete, you select your custard flavor and then pick mix-ins from a display case—brownie pieces, cookie crumbles, candy, or fresh fruit. The staff blends your choices into the custard while you watch. Payment is at the counter, and most locations accept cash and card.

Dietary considerations and allergen information

Italian ice is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. However, it is not always vegan—some formulations use egg white. Frozen custard contains both eggs and dairy, so it is not suitable for people avoiding either ingredient.

Allergen information varies by flavor and location. Some Italian ice flavors may be processed in facilities that handle tree nuts or peanuts. Frozen custard always contains eggs and milk. If you have a severe allergy, ask to see ingredient labels or call the location ahead of time. Staff can tell you which flavors are safe for your dietary needs.

When Rita's is open and seasonal patterns

Most Rita's locations in South Carolina operate year-round, but seasonal hours are common. Peak season runs from May through September, when many shops extend hours into the evening and stay open seven days a week. Fall and spring see moderate traffic and standard hours. Winter hours often shrink, and some Upstate locations close entirely from December through February.

Holiday closures are rare—most shops stay open on major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, though hours may be shortened. If you are planning a visit on a holiday, call ahead to confirm. During summer heat waves, some locations may run out of popular flavors earlier than usual, so arriving earlier in the day increases your chances of finding what you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Italian ice the same as sorbet?

Italian ice and sorbet are similar but not identical. Both are dairy-free and made from fruit, sugar, and water. Sorbet is typically smoother and lighter in texture, while Italian ice is denser and creamier. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but Rita's specifically calls its product Italian ice.

Can I order online or call ahead to reserve a flavor?

Most Rita's locations accept phone orders for immediate pickup. You can call ahead to confirm today's flavor lineup and place an order, which is helpful if you have a specific flavor preference. Online ordering through the Rita's app or website varies by location—check your nearest shop's page to see if that option is available.

What is the difference between a Concrete and a regular custard?

A Concrete is frozen custard blended with mix-ins like cookies, candy, or brownie pieces stirred in while you watch. A regular custard order is plain frozen custard without additions. Both are made from the same custard base; the Concrete simply includes your choice of mix-ins.

Do I need to bring a coupon or membership card to use Rita's Rewards?

No. When you join Rita's Rewards, you provide your phone number at checkout. The staff looks up your account by phone number each time you visit, so you do not need to carry a card or print a coupon. You can also link your rewards account to the Rita's app for easy access.

Are there vegan options at Rita's?

Italian ice is dairy-free, but not all Italian ice is vegan because some formulations use egg white as a binder. Call your local Rita's to ask which Italian ice flavors are vegan. Frozen custard and Concretes are not vegan because they contain eggs and dairy.