Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has partnered with TBS to launch "A Shirley Good Time," a limited-time summer promotion that blends nostalgic television with frozen treats. Running through August 23 at participating locations, the campaign celebrates the arrival of Rita's new Shirley Temple Italian Ice while drawing inspiration from some of television's most recognizable comedy series. The collaboration reflects a growing trend among restaurant brands to create immersive experiences that extend beyond the menu.
The exclusive lineup features frozen creations inspired by popular TBS programs, including The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Impractical Jokers, and Friends. Guests can choose from themed menu items such as the Bazinga Blast, Office Favorite, Brain Freeze Misto®, and Central Chiller Ice Blender, each incorporating the brand's new Shirley Temple flavor. The promotion also includes co-branded merchandise and limited-edition packaging designed to reinforce the campaign's nostalgic appeal.
Beyond its stores, Rita's is extending the campaign through an "A Shirley Good Time" Treat Truck Tour, which will visit select markets with frozen treats, giveaways, and interactive experiences. Customers can also participate in a nationwide social media contest for a chance to win Free Rita's Ice for a Year by sharing original content featuring the Shirley Temple-inspired products. Together, these initiatives create multiple touchpoints that encourage both in-store visits and online engagement throughout the summer.
Promotions of this scale require coordination across every franchise location while delivering a consistent customer experience. Platforms such as Gorilla Dash support these initiatives through Competitions and Promotions, helping franchise operators organize campaign details, coordinate local participation, and maintain consistent execution across multiple markets. The approach allows brands to engage customers while simplifying campaign management for franchisees.
Founded in 1984, Rita's has grown into the world's largest Italian Ice concept with more than 600 locations. Its latest collaboration with TBS demonstrates how entertainment partnerships can strengthen seasonal marketing while creating memorable customer experiences that encourage repeat visits. By combining recognizable television brands with limited-time menu innovations, Rita's continues finding creative ways to keep its franchise network relevant, engaging, and connected with customers throughout the summer.
