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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA | Friday, May 13, 2005
The strip center in-line Shoppe pays homage to the signature round Ritters design by incorporating a curved counter and matching blue awning-like header, which gives the customer the impression they are standing at the famous white and blue round building developed by Ritters founder, John Ritter in 1989. Even the freezer displays, with blue and white awnings have the feel of the originals umbrella shaded picnic tables. Signage and posters with product shots have a retro look as well and the employee uniform consisting of the blue Ritters apron and Gatsby-style hat conveys that old-time feel. Our goal with the strip center prototype was two-fold, said Bob Ritter, President and CEO of Ritters Frozen Custard. We are making the Ritters brand more appealing and dynamic to customers and prospective franchisees alike, while also keeping the nostalgic look and feel and familiarity of our original locations. Multi-concept franchisee Pamela Billow in North Las Vegas was one of the first to buy into a Ritters strip center model. In Las Vegas where summer temperatures in the middle of the day can exceed 100 degrees, we needed to be able to bring the concept indoors, said Billow. After visiting the original round Shoppe in Indiana and seeing the concept drawings of the strip center design, it really has the Ritters look turned outside in. Ritters recently added new executives to its management team, all of whom have extensive experience in the restaurant and franchise industry. Bob Ritter, President and CEO, previously held every position in the company and was a Ritters franchisee. Doug DeLor, Vice President of Marketing, was a corporate marketing executive for McDonalds. Rob McCrary, Vice President of Franchising, worked 15-plus years in distribution with Clark Foodservice. Ted Cocolin, Director of Field Support, held several positions with T.G.I. Fridays and Olive Garden and Chuck Moore, Franchisee Business Consultant, worked in the Ritters company as John and Bobs right hand man for a number of years as the company was starting out.
Our aim is franchisee profit through increased revenue, lower costs and building a strong system of systems support. The new leadership team will help us achieve that, said Ritter. Ritter also noted that following a period over the past few years, Ritters experienced a shift in management strategy but that the controlling stake in the company now rests back in the hands of the Ritter family.
A top priority for Ritters moving forward will be an emphasis on brand awareness, with Vice President of Marketing Doug DeLor leading an aggressive marketing campaign at national and local levels.
Our aim is make Ritters a household name and synonymous with frozen custard and position frozen custard as the premium aspect to ice cream, DeLor said. The combination of the new leadership team, our truly dynamic franchise opportunity and the dedication and support of our franchisees and system is what makes us the best of the best in all of our markets. The Ritters franchise opportunity offers a number of different options for prospective franchisees, including single and multi-unit territories. The strip center Shoppe is one of several different retail options, each designed to fit the needs of the franchisee and the local market environment. Ritters also offers a comprehensive training and support program that covers all facets of operations and management, before, during and after the opening.
About Ritters Frozen Custard Ritters Frozen Custard is one of the fastest growing premium ice cream chains in the country with 60 locations in eight states. Ritters is on track to open 10 more in 2005. Founded in 1989 by John and Bonny Ritter in Franklin, IN, Ritters offers a proprietary, super-premium ice cream menu including its famous Glacier frozen custard blended with fruit or candy, signature sundaes as well as shakes, malts and smoothies all served in an engaging, clean and friendly atmosphere.
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Ritter's Frozen Custard
666 5th Ave,
New York,
NY
Phone: (212) 359-3600