Rita’s Italian Ice, the world’s largest Italian Ice concept with more than 600 stores, continues its expansion into the fourth quarter, awarding four new development deals for Washington — including Redmond — Idaho, Hawaii and Ventura County and San Jose, Calif., respectively. The company opened 2015 with a renewed focus on growth at home and abroad, and as a result has opened more than 55 stores and awarded eight area development agreements in one year alone.

While 2015 has brought Rita’s into international markets, the company remains committed to domestic growth from coast to coast and most recently awarded agreements to: Mark Velicer of Velicer Ice Corp, Inc. for the development of the state of Washington; David Chamberlain for the development of the state of Idaho; Dean Park of Hawaiian Island Treats, LLCfor the development of the state of Hawaii; and Humza Chowdhry and Annie Navqi of Amiracle Ice Company, LLC for the development of Ventura County and San Jose, California. Combined, these agreements project a total of more than 100 new stores by 2030 and the creation of more than 1,500 jobs.

“Rita’s is exploding nationwide,” said Mark Velicer, president of Velicer Ice. “My family and I have been avid customers of Rita’s since being introduced to the brand on the East Coast and have recently seen the company take off in a very smart and strategic way. It quickly became clear that there was no question that I had to get in on the action and thus ‘Rita’s in Washington’ was born.”

Velicer will be the first to bring Rita’s Italian Ice and its “cool treats” to the Evergreen state. His plans entail more than 40 stores within 15 years, targeting areas such as Issaquah, Sammamish and Redmond.

For more information on purchasing a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise, visit www.ownaritas.com.