Much more than just great Italian ices
For four years, Chattanoogans and tourists alike have been lured into Rita’s Italian Ice downtown by scrumptious ices (blended with real fruit), creamy frozen custard, misto shakes (Italian ice swirled with custard) and gelati (frozen custard topped with Italian ice topped with custard).
But now, as owner Rob Pompilio tells us, there’s even more reason to stop in, because the store has partnered with Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe to offer 16 panini, grilled flatbread, wrap and quesadilla items. They are only the second Rita’s store to embrace the partnership, and Pompilio is delighted.
“The flatbread is fat free, with no artificial colors or flavors. It’s simply flour, filtered water, sea salt and yeast, and is prepared fresh in the store,” he says. “We’re using locally sourced produce. All of the Sandella’s menu items are healthy alternatives and are great for people on the go.”
In fact, he notes, lunch- or dinner-seekers in a hurry can almost always have their food made to order and in their hands to go in less than five minutes.
Of course, it may well take you longer than that to decide what to order. Will it be the Tuscan Chicken panini with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and red onions in pesto sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil? How about the Brazilian Chicken flatbread, with grilled chicken and mozzarella over a signature Brazilian sauce? Or perhaps the Turkey & Bacon wrap, with turkey breast, bacon, lettuce and tomatoes with ancho chipotle sauce?
Pompilio adds that Rita’s can also cater your event, providing Sandella’s menu options, Italian ice options or both.
In any case, as summer advances upon us, and thoughts turn to tasty ways to cool down, Rita’s Italian Ice offers some of the best—and now, some of the best light, healthy meals as well.