When Jennifer and Jason Gibson moved to Naples from a small town in Pennsylvania 11 years ago, they only dreamed of eating ice cream every day at the beach.
Now, they own Rita’s Italian Ice of Naples in Missions Square off Pine Ridge Road and have been the concessionaire at Lowdermilk Park Beach for 7 years. Be careful of what you wish for!
In April, the Gibsons celebrated their 10 year anniversary with Rita’s and moved to a new location last fall to expand and offer drive-through service (especially perfect this summer).
This month, they will introduce new flavors and continue to serve up popular Gelati - a layer of signature soft serve frozen custard with fresh Italian ice made in-store topped with a dollop of frozen custard. “What makes Rita's Italian ice and frozen custard different is our products are made fresh daily in each location and are made with fresh fruits. No preservatives!” Says Jason. “Our Italian Ice is fat free and cholesterol free. We also ‘blue zone‘ options and most of our Italian Ices are gluten and dairy free.”
Jason’s favorite treat is a mango vanilla Galati. “Not very original but it is one of Americas favorites as well. Mango and Cotton Candy Italian ice are the most popular flavors of all.”
This summer, the Gibsons will continue their tradition of excellent service, thanks to a team of dedicated employees. “We have 12 employees that are hand picked for their attention to detail and happy outgoing personalities! Most of our crew has been with us throughout their high school or college years,” he says.
The Gibsons are big fans of Naples, too. “We love Naples! Even though its huge compared to where I grew up It still has that small town feel. In the past 11 years I built more relationships and connections and friends then in my lifetime in PA. I always say I will never go North again unless its for a wedding or funeral.” We hope, once travel resumes for us all, that it’s the former event that takes them north.
Jennifer and Jason have been married 26 years and have two sons,
Jordan (22) and Zachary (21). Jordan just finished his fourth year in South Eastern Southern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. Zachary just finished his third year on the president’s list at FGCU where he’s studying elementary education. He is engaged to Andrea Bubick, with wedding planned for this summer.
“We love our community and our schools and especially our customers,” says Jason. “We do our best in being out in our community contributing visibly, and financially through fundraising, and being a positive influence in the lives of others around us.”
From all the Rita’s fans in Naples, we say thank you for keeping it sweet!
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
1575 Pine Ridge Rd Suite 1, Naples, FL 34109