With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Free Italian Ices at the New Rita's in Redondo Beach
In the ongoing battle of East Coast eats versus West Coast eats, the Atlantic side has long chalked up points for being home to the beloved Rita's, an Italian ice and custard chain that began in greater Philadelphia in 1984. Now the score is evening out, because the first California outpost of Rita's soft opens Monday, April 8 in Redondo Beach, and owners Jake Cosme and Josh Pascua hope you'll stop in to check out their news digs and slurp an Italian Ice on the house.
Josh and Jake chatted with LAist in the middle of a recent and bustling friends, family and media night.
LAist: Tell us a little about how this all got started.
Jake: We grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, and we've known each other since junior high school. We were on the wrestling team together. I went to school out in Maryland at the United States Naval Academy (Jake), and Josh enlisted in the Marines and did several tours in Iraq, and when I graduated from college I did a couple tours in Iraq.
Support for LAist comes from
Josh: We've always wanted to do a business together, and that plan eventually evolved into wanting to open a vet-friendly franchise. We looked at different businesses, like Wing Stop and some others, but when we saw that Rita's gives discounts to veteran franchisees, we jumped on it. And everything's been working out. Spread the word: free Italian Ices all day Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9!
How'd you decide to open in Redondo Beach?
Josh: It's where we wanted to surf! We live right here, too, and we wanted to be a part of the community. The South Bay is really welcoming, and just has that small town, family feel that we really craved.
Besides the signature Italian Ices, what menu items do you snack on yourselves?
Jake: The gelatis are awesome, and we're also really liking our pretzels [from Prospect Pretzels]. If you dip them in our custards, the taste is amazing. That's a little specialty item at the Redondo Beach franchise.
Josh: The mango gelati, which is vanilla custard on top of mango ice. That's to die for.
Fans are encouraged to drop in and snag a free Italian Ice on Monday, April 8 or Tuesday, April 9 -- or go crazy and visit both days. The gratis goods will be given out from 11am to 10pm, and all other menu items will be available for purchase.
Support for LAist comes from
Rita's, 403 North Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 101, in Redondo Beach. 424-247-7511
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence.
Best of LAist