By Zanub Saeed
Rita's Italian Ice announced that it will be selling its frozen goods and custard exclusively at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
MetLife Stadium is the home of NFL teams the New York Giants and New York Jets, and is set to be the venue for Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. Rita's Italian Ice made the deal with the sports venue after it was acquired by Falconhead Capital, LLC in New York recently, which helped the brand market to the sports arena, said a press release issued by Rita's Franchise Company on Tuesday.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer Rita's Italian Ice to the attendees and sports fans at MetLife Stadium," William Bori, Rita's new franchisee, stated for the press release. "Both Jets and Giants fans will now be able to watch their favorite team while eating their favorite Italian Ice."
MetLife Stadium seats 82,500 in its open-air stadium generally used for football games, concerts, festivals, international soccer games, and college sporting games annually, noted the press release. Around two million attendees visit MetLife Stadium for a variety of events and activities.
"We are thrilled to have Rita's Italian Ice served at MetLife Stadium to give attendees a quality brand they know and love," Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita's, said for the press release. "Our treats add variety to the food options served and offer a delicious local favorite to all Jets and Giants fans!"
Rita's Italian Ice is setting its eye on developing agreements with multiple-unit operators in the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, North and South Carolina, and the general Northeast, listed the press release, and across major international markets.
"This is a breakthrough accomplishment for Rita's," Thomas Christopoul, Executive Chairman of Rita's and Operating Partner of Falconhead Capital, was quoted as stating for the press release. "The opportunity to serve our exceptional products to millions of fans in our core market and build our brand nationally through a close association with these world class teams and venue is nothing short of groundbreaking." The partnership agreement also provides for key promotional placement including suite catering distribution and fan exposure at the venue and via the web all year around.
