CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A new Rita’s Italian Ice location is slated to open its doors in the near future.

According to Rita’s Italian Ice website, a new Chambersburg location on 777 Wayne Avenue is listed as “Coming Soon”. The new location will be situated across the street from the Chambersburg Fitness Center and Montezuma Mexican Restaurant.

The franchise owners of this new location are Keila and Mark Trace, who also own and operate a Frederick, Maryland Rita’s Italian Ice, which opened in June 2022. According to Keila, about 20 years ago she worked at a Rita’s location in Chambersburg, which ended up closing its doors eight years ago.

She and her husband now hope to bring the Rita’s legacy back to life.

According to Keila, the new 1,500 square foot location is slated to open its doors sometime in April of 2024, but this will depend on the speed of construction and the acquiring of necessary permits.

Phil Wolgemuth, Deputy Chambersburg Borough Manager/Land Use and Community Development Director, says on September 5 the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended plans to the Town Council for approval consideration.

The Town Council will review the plans during a September 11 meeting and, if acceptable, the Council will be asked to consider approving the plan at a later date, according to Wolgemuth.

Rita’s Italian Ice first opened in the Summer of 1984 in Philadelphia by founder Bob Tumolo. According to their website, today Rita’s has locations in more than 30 states.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.