Christopher and Ashante Shivers, a husband-and-wife team and U.S. Air Force veterans, have introduced Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard to Louisiana with a new store in Slidell. The shop held a soft opening earlier in September and officially celebrated its arrival with a grand opening on September 26. Guests were welcomed with free Italian Ice for a year for the first 50 customers, coupons for the next 200, and family attractions that included face painting and prize giveaways.
The Shivers’ connection to Rita’s is rooted in family tradition. While living in Maryland and Washington, D.C., their children would often ask for one more scoop of Italian Ice after school and weekend outings. “Serving others has always been at the core of who we are,” Ashante said, explaining their decision to bring the brand to Slidell. She added that the shop is not only a business venture but also an opportunity to create new memories for families in the community.
Christopher noted that lessons from the Air Force continue to shape their work as franchise owners. He said the values of discipline, teamwork, and service guide their approach to customer care. “Customer service was ingrained in us during our time in the Air Force,” he explained, emphasizing their focus on making every guest experience welcoming and memorable.
The couple has already hired seven local high school students, offering them their first jobs while strengthening community ties. They also plan to sponsor local schools and create initiatives to support military families. By investing in young workers and giving back to the community, the Shivers hope to make their store a gathering place as well as a business.
Rita’s, which now operates nearly 600 locations nationwide, has been expanding steadily across the United States. The Slidell opening marks the company’s first in Louisiana and highlights both the brand’s growth strategy and the Shivers’ commitment to blending entrepreneurship with community service. For Rita’s, the new location is a foothold in a fresh market. For the Shivers, it is the beginning of a new chapter built on family values and local engagement.