Rita’s launches specials inspired by ‘The Office’ and ‘Friends’ for a new water ice flavor
The limited-time summer collaboration is available through Aug. 23. at participating Rita’s locations.Customers can enjoy TV show-inspired treats and win free ice for a year.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard teamed up with cable network TBS to launch a new water ice flavor with some television flair.
The new flavor? Shirley Temple. The collabs? With some of the network’s most popular TV shows.
The “Bazinga Blast” — Rita’s Shirley Temple Italian ice topped with edible glitter — is an ode to The Big Bang Theory, for example. "Office Favorite," with layers of vanilla frozen custard and Shirley Temple Italian ice, pays homage to The Office.
The “Brain Freeze Misto,” a creamy vanilla frozen custard blended with Shirley Temple Italian ice, is a tribute to Impractical Jokers. Friends inspired the “Central Chiller Ice Blender,” a frozen blended drink made with the Shirley Temple Italian ice and edible glitter. The collaborations are available at participating Rita’s locations until Aug. 23.
“Summer has always been about creating memories with family and friends, and that’s exactly what this partnership is all about,” Carmela Hughley, SVP of marketing insights and innovation at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, said in a news release. “After introducing our new Shirley Temple Ice, we wanted to build an experience that celebrates everything people love about summer — from nostalgic flavors to iconic television moments. Together with TBS, we’re inviting fans everywhere to have A Shirley Good Time.”
Water ice — number two on Inquirer’s 76 iconic foods list — is the treat of summer, winning big at an Atlantic City festival and making up a key component of water ice martinis, the Philly area cocktail of the season.
There will also be a mobile way to get those new specials thanks to “A Shirley Good Time Treat Truck Tour.” Throughout the summer, Rita’s and TBS will hit the road with frozen treats, giveaways, and interactive experiences in select markets across the country.
The Italian ice chain is also offering a chance to win free Rita’s for a year, plus a TBS x Rita’s swag pack, for three fans.
Customers can enter the TBS and Rita’s Shirley Temple Giveaway by publishing an original photo post or reel on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok featuring the new Italian ice flavor, tagging Rita’s in the post, and including #AShirleyGoodTime and #RitasItalianIce in the caption.
“TBS has long been home to the comfort comedies fans turn to again and again, making Rita’s the perfect partner for this summer celebration,” Melissa Chambless, EVP of marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a statement. “The best partnerships create experiences that extend beyond the screen, and A Shirley Good Time does just that, bringing together iconic comedies, nostalgic flavors, and fan-focused experiences designed to spark connection, laughter, and unforgettable summer memories.”
