They also have different flavors of custard, such as vanilla, strawberry, orange cream and coffee. Customers are able to blend the custard and ice into different concoctions, such as the “Gelati,” which layers these two products.
“Companywide, mango is the No. 1 flavor,” said general manager Jim Hagan. “We just came out with Swedish fish. And that is challenging mango for sure, and it may go faster than the mango.”
Rita’s has more than 40 different flavors of ice with a new flavor coming out each month. Its regular-sized ice starts at $2.43, while their custard starts at $2.97.
Rita’s also offers seasonal flavors such as pumpkin pie and caramel apple, while the more unique ones include birthday cake and pistachio.
“The product is, number one, unique, and number two, is our service and staff,” Hagan said. “I get complimented all the time on their enthusiasm. Our tagline is ‘Ice. Custard. Happiness.’ and they do a great job on the happiness end. Customers leave a little happier than when they came in.”
Lisa Floyd, a Rita’s employee, says she enjoys working here because it’s fun, and she often sees loyal customers who she has gotten to know.
“We have a lot of people that come in every day and order the same thing every day,” Floyd said. “And they’re funny because they like what they like. We know what they like, and we see them coming, and we’re ready.”
Regular customers might also be more familiar with Rita’s less-advertised concoctions, like the “Hokie-lati,” which is made up of orange custard with wild black cherry ice.
They plan on starting Tropical Thursdays that will offer a “Tropical Treat Misto,” consisting of pineapple, coconut, a dash of kiwi and mango ice with the vanilla custard.
“I thank the town of Blacksburg and the students at Virginia Tech for our success and am grateful that they are enthusiastic about our product,” Hagan said. “We are looking to grow from here and to meet more and more of the students and the town. Every day I see new people, and that’s the fun part.”
Teresa Tobat contributed to this report.
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