Spring is in the Air: Rita's Italian Ice Celebrates with its 25th Annual Free Italian Ice Giveaway and the Return of PEEPS'' Italian Ice

Today,Rita's Italian Ice celebrates the 25 th anniversary of the beloved First Day of Spring Free Italian Ice Giveaway, and in its honor, welcomes back another springtime favorite, PEEPS Italian Ice. As part of the annual tradition, guests can enjoy a free Italian Ice in a limited-edition First Day of Spring cup at all locations across the country.

"At Rita's, we believe it's important to celebrate the everyday moments that make life special from good grades on tests to job promotions, hitting the homerun in the little league game to a perfect pirouette in a ballet recital," said Mike Lorelli, CEO of Rita's Italian Ice. "And while we believe all those tiny moments deserve sweet celebrations here at Rita's, the First Day of Spring celebration holds a special place in the hearts of Rita's treat teams everywhere." Phyllis Levy, SVP and CMO at Rita's Italian Ice adds, "As we've marked the change in seasons from winter to spring by giving away free Italian Ice for the past 25 years, we've given away millions of cups of Italian Ice to guests all across the country over the course of our annual springtime celebration, and we view that as just the beginning."

More Reason to Celebrate
Not only will Rita's fans get to enjoy a free Italian Ice this year, but PEEPS Italian Ice will also be available at select stores nationwide on the First Day of Spring and at all Rita's locations for a limited time only beginning on March 27. This mouth-watering combination, which has the same great taste as the iconic springtime candy, will mark the start of a tasty treat season to come, which will include TWIZZLERS Italian Ice and HAWAIIAN PUNCH Italian Ice. Rita's also offers a new Stuffed Blendini , which allows guests to "stuff" Hot Fudge, Hot Caramel, Strawberry Sauce or Peanut Butter in the center of the treat for a new twist on the classic.

Spreading Ice, Custard and Happiness
Guests are encouraged to help spread "Ice, Custard and Happiness" this First Day of Spring by snapping a photo and sharing it on social media using #RitasFirstDayOfSpring to enter into the Rita's First Day of Spring Photo Contest. All guests who submit a photo between March 20 and March 24 will be entered for a chance to win one of 25 prizes, including a chance at the grand prize of free Italian Ice for a year. For more information on how to enter to win or to view the official rules, please visit https://ritasice.com/fdoscontestrules/.

To find a Rita's location near you, visit www.ritasice.com.

About Rita's Italian Ice
Rita's Italian Ice opened its doors in Bensalem, Pa. in 1984, and has been dedicated to spreading "Ice, Custard, Happiness!" ever since. Now with more than 600 locations worldwide, guests around the world visit Rita's to celebrate their everyday moments with freshly made cool treats in a fun-filled atmosphere. Known for its famous Italian Ice, made daily featuring real fruit, and award-winning Frozen Custard, Rita's serves a taste of happiness with each delicious treat. For more information about Rita's Italian Ice, please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com.

About Just Born Quality Confections
Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned company that has grown into the 9th largest candy company in the U.S. Just Born is the maker of some of America's most beloved and iconic brands PEEPS, MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES and GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy-making and retail store in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, "Just Born." Together with Born's brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived in spite of the economic depression of the 1930s and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA, which is still home to their iconic candy brands. All Just Born candies are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information, please visitwww.justborn.comand see the breadth of candy and high-quality branded items at www.peepsandcompany.com. Follow us:facebook.com/JustBornInc,twitter.com/JustBornInc.