Rita's Italian Ice Appoints New Franchise Development Executive To Accelerate Continued Growth

Eric Taylor joined the Rita's team in April 2014, and is responsible for the expansion of the Rita's global footprint. He has held senior leadership roles in multiple leading restaurant chains such as MetroMedia Restaurant Group (Bennigan's, Steak & Ale, Ponderosa, Bonanza), where he oversaw restaurant brands in over 40 states and 20 countries worldwide.

Jul 9, 2014 - 11:45
Rita's Italian Ice, the world's largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 stores in 24 states, announced the appointment of Eric Taylor, a 15+ year franchise industry veteran, who has been selected as Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer to lead the popular 30 year old brand's franchise development and growth.

Eric Taylor joined the Rita's team in April 2014, and is responsible for the expansion of the Rita's global footprint. He has held senior leadership roles in multiple leading restaurant chains such as MetroMedia Restaurant Group (Bennigan's, Steak & Ale, Ponderosa, Bonanza), where he oversaw restaurant brands in over 40 states and 20 countries worldwide. In his most recent restaurant capacity, Eric was Vice President, International Franchise Development at Sbarro.  Eric holds a B.S. in Marketing from Arizona State University and is originally from Rita's home turf in Philadelphia, PA.  

"Eric's experience growing franchise businesses, leading sales teams, and opening restaurants successfully both domestically and internationally is a perfect fit with our overall expansion plans," said Jeff Moody, Chief Executive Officer, Rita's. "We are very happy to have him join our leadership team during this critical time of accelerated growth."

Rita's Italian Ice, which is celebrating 30 years in business, has been aggressively expanding across the United States and internationally.  Rita's goal is to open 85 stores across the United States this year and has already opened in several new states including Alabama, California, Utah, Minnesota and more.

Rita's Franchise Company, whose business is treats and mission is happiness, was founded 30 years ago, and is headquartered in Trevose, PA.  Rita's is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, with over 600 stores in the U.S. and 85 more opening soon, with its first international stores now open in China, and opening soon in Canada and the Philippines.  The thirty-year old brand is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through franchise opportunities.