Italian Ice Season Begins This Week In Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NY — Forget about the Groundhog. Rita's Italian Ice outlets are beginning to open up, signaling the beginning of spring.

Despite temperatures lingering around 50 degrees this week and rain being forecasted, for some, the official start of Italian ice season marks the true end of winter.

This Friday is the official start of the Italian ice season at Rita's storefront, which sits at 1317 E 17th St., on the corner of Avenue M in Midwood. ;

The location, which first opened in the summer of 2017, kicks open its seasonal doors on March 1, welcoming eager customers to try their popular water ice, frozen custard, milkshakes, frozen water ice drinks and more.

You can view the full menu offerings here.

Rita's Italian Ice was started by Bob Tumolo, a former Philadelphia firefighter, and was named "Rita's" after his wife, their website reads.

Every year, the franchise celebrates the first day of spring by giving away free Italian Ice. This year, March 19 marks the start of spring —and all-day March 19, Rita's in Brooklyn and around the region will be serving up free sweet treats.

The best part? There's no catch to getting a free water ice. Just show up at your local Rita's to claim the free treat.

There's no purchase necessary to get the freebie, nor is there an app needed to get in on the deal.

In 1984, the shop opened its first location in Bensalem Township in Pennsylvania and has since expanded to hundreds of locations across the country.