Many Local and State Officials Attended Rita's Grand Opening

Report, Photos and Video by Paula Antolini

See video of ribbon cutting ceremony here: http://vimeo.com/91809452

See more photos here: picturesbypaula.com

There was much fanfare and a jovial atmosphere at the Rita's Grand Opening at the new custard and Italian ice store 2-day event, on April 3-4, 2014, located at 180-9 Old Hawleyville Road in Bethel, CT.

The ribbon cutting ceremony began with Mayor Boughton giving instructions about the "countdown" to the actual ribbon cut, as First Selectman Knickerbocker joked that Mayor Boughton traveled all the way to Bethel to give those instructions.  There were lots of cheers and applause as the ribbon was cut, and speeches were made, including owner Joseph DeAngelis thanking everyone by name, and presenting DAWS with a check for $650.00.

Many local and state officials were in attendance, State Senator Toni Boucher, Representative Dan Carter, Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, several board members of the Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS), President Tanya Buchmelter, Director Emil Tomasi, Director Lenore Maskara, and Bethel Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kevin Smith, CEO of Rita's brand Jeff Moody, Franchise Business Consultant Corey Savona, Bethel Chamber of Commerce Executive Director BobbieJo Beers, along with store owners Irene and Joseph DeAngelis and son Joey DeAngelis, store manager Jeff Marini, and a large crowd of customers that gathered indoors and outdoors on the beautiful warm sunny weather day.

The store was packed to capacity with individuals sampling all the delicious treats Rita's had to offer and people socialized with big smiles on their faces.

Attendees were given a free treats "VIP pass" on a bright green beaded necklace and a tote bag filled with goodies including information about the company's "Mobile Ice Cart" service, "Celebrity Scoopers" fundraising opportunities, a coupon for free Italian ice at many Rita's locations, info. about DAWS, a gold ribbon "Pin of Hope" honoring children's cancer awareness and pediatric research. Also included was a flyer introducing three new flavors of ice: Starburst Cherry Ice, Starburst Orange Ice, and Wild Berry ice, and there were many other goodies inside the pretty red, white and green striped tote bag.

On day two DAWS was present right outside Rita's and they brought along two dogs up for adoption, a black 4-year-old lab-mix dog named Jeffrey, and an 8-month-old Chihuahua-mix named Johnnie. There was also a large overflowing bin inside Rita's where customers generously donated supplies to DAWS.

The consensus was that everyone is happy to see this business open in Bethel. People lingered and enjoyed the delicious treats, as they had a hard time deciding which flavor was their favorite, there were numerous flavors to choose from.

We wish Rita's lots of success!

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More info. about Rita's of Bethel CT:
180-9 Old Hawleyville Road Bethel, CT 06801.
Phone: (203) 456-3060.
STORE HOURS: Monday - Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
website: http://www.ritasice.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ritasbethel