Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Balfour Village Center, 3150 Balfour Rd a, Brentwood
(925) 308-4495

Recent Reviews

Danira Kukuljevic

Drove 40 minutes to it being closed at 7:30pm when the door said 9pm. Extremely disappointed. There wasn’t even a note on the door. :(

Steven Rogers

Went here for a special night drive and wanted to treat the wife. They are supposed to be open until 10 pm. Closed at 9:00. Very disappointing. Rita, at least have the courtesy to change the hours that you have online.

Kennedy L.

I used to go to Rita's before covid all the time and it was one of my favorite dessert places. Once covid hit all the rita's in my area got shut down and I was devastated. I often think about Rita's so I decided on the way to San francisco I would stop by Brentwood and get my favorite, cotton candy Italian Ice with cotton candy custard. I even looked at the Rita's website to make sure the flavors I was hoping would be there. All I saw was a list of flavors they have so I assumed all those flavors would possibly be at the store or maybe in the back. When I arrived I was super excited to get my order after years. I went inside and a bit disappointed to see there was no cotton candy italian ice. I was very disappointed but still happy to see that cotton candy custard was there. When I asked for a italian ice with cotton candy custard they said I could only get the italian ice with a soft serve ice cream which is vanilla, chocolate, or swirl. I was very disappointed to hear this and confused because when I used to go to Rita's in sacramento they would let me get custard and italian ice together. Maybe the Rita's in sac did things differently‍. The italian ice and custard I got separately were still very good just a little disappointed in the experience.

Karlee J.

We love Rita's. The custard is rich and delicious. Perfect for a warm day or just when you need a treat.

Kevin C.

This place was so mediocre? They don't put no effort into anything they serve! Would never go there again!! Ever.

Jennifer D.

Didn't have a huge selection on this super HOT Sunday. The mixed custard swirl on a cone was decent. I felt so bad for the employees, it was just as hot inside as it was outside, I actually told the employee that assisted us, they should close early under those conditions, no AC for a ice cream store is ridiculous! Poor kids that were working looked hot! The owner needs to do better

T Taylor

Hours of operation are wrong. Close at 9 during the week not 10 as both Google and their website say.

Preston Campbell

The Frustration of Rita's Italian Ice and Custard: A Disappointing ExperienceIntroduction:Rita's Italian Ice and Custard, a popular frozen dessert establishment, has garnered a reputation for its tantalizing flavors and refreshing treats. However, the frustration and disappointment experienced by many individuals when attempting to contact this establishment indicate that there are valid reasons why one should think twice before visiting Rita's. This essay explores the primary concerns surrounding Rita's, highlighting its failure to provide reliable customer service and the ensuing negative impact on customer experiences.Inaccessibility and Poor Communication:One of the most significant drawbacks of Rita's Italian Ice and Custard is its lack of accessibility and poor communication channels. The inability to connect with the establishment via phone calls, as expressed in the prompt, is emblematic of a larger issue. Customers rely on phone communication to inquire about opening hours, availability of specific flavors, and general inquiries. When Rita's fails to answer these queries, it leaves potential customers feeling frustrated and disheartened.Inconsistent Quality:Another cause for concern at Rita's Italian Ice and Custard is the inconsistent quality of their products. While some patrons may have had delightful experiences, others report inconsistency in the taste and texture of their treats. A disappointing encounter can leave a lasting negative impression, leading customers to reconsider future visits or explore alternative dessert options. The lack of a consistently enjoyable experience detracts from the reputation and credibility of Rita's.Lack of Innovation:Over time, customer preferences and tastes evolve, necessitating constant innovation and adaptation from businesses to maintain their relevance. However, Rita's Italian Ice and Custard appears to be stagnant in this aspect. The lack of new flavors, limited seasonal offerings, and a failure to experiment with creative combinations can make the menu at Rita's feel stale and uninspiring. As a result, customers may seek out establishments that provide more exciting and innovative options.Customer Service Deficiencies:An essential aspect of any successful business is excellent customer service. Unfortunately, Rita's falls short in this regard. The inability to reach the establishment through phone calls, as expressed in the prompt, highlights a disregard for customer concerns and queries. Moreover, even during in-person visits, customers report instances of poor service, including long wait times, disinterested staff, and subpar cleanliness. These issues contribute to a negative overall experience and dissuade potential customers from returning.Competitive Alternatives:Rita's Italian Ice and Custard operates in a highly competitive market, where numerous other dessert establishments vie for customers' attention. This competition raises the stakes for businesses to offer exceptional products and services consistently. With the rise of gourmet ice cream shops, artisanal frozen yogurt stores, and innovative dessert concepts, customers have a plethora of options to choose from. Rita's inability to address its shortcomings and adapt to evolving consumer demands may result in customers opting for more enticing and satisfying alternatives.Conclusion:While Rita's Italian Ice and Custard has long been a go-to destination for frozen treats, the frustrations outlined in this essay shed light on valid reasons to reconsider visiting this establishment. From its inaccessibility and poor communication channels to inconsistent quality and lack of innovation, Rita's falls short in meeting customer expectations. Additionally, deficient customer service and stiff competition in the dessert market further erode the reasons to choose Rita's. As consumers, it is essential to seek out businesses that prioritize their customers and consistently deliver exceptional experiences.

Patty Mayo

Rita's Italian Ice and Custard: A Disappointing Experience in Customer Service and Health HazardsI recently had the misfortune of not only encountering abysmal customer service at Rita's Italian Ice and Custard but also experiencing severe health repercussions due to their products. It is deeply concerning when a business not only refuses to answer the phone or address customer needs but also fails to maintain proper food safety standards. Allow me to share my harrowing experience in detail.After finally managing to reach Rita's through other means of communication, I decided to give their ice cream a try, despite the reservations stemming from their lackluster customer service. However, to my dismay, the decision to indulge in their frozen treats proved to be a grave mistake. Shortly after consuming their ice cream, I fell seriously ill, experiencing severe gastrointestinal distress and discomfort.The severity of my condition was such that I had no choice but to seek immediate medical attention. I was admitted to the hospital, where I underwent a series of tests and treatments to address the foodborne illness that had afflicted me. The entire ordeal was not only physically agonizing but also emotionally distressing, as I had trusted Rita's to provide safe and enjoyable desserts.It is inconceivable that a business, particularly one in the food industry, would neglect to uphold the necessary standards of hygiene and food safety. The fact that their products made me sick indicates a gross failure in their handling and preparation processes. Foodborne illnesses can have serious consequences, and it is the responsibility of establishments like Rita's to prioritize the well-being and safety of their customers.Moreover, the lack of accountability and responsiveness demonstrated by Rita's in the aftermath of this incident is appalling. Despite numerous attempts to reach out to them and inform them about my illness, they have shown no interest in addressing the situation or offering any form of assistance or compensation. This lack of concern for their customers' well-being only exacerbates the disappointment and frustration felt towards Rita's.It is crucial for businesses to prioritize food safety, especially when dealing with perishable items such as ice cream and custard. The failure to do so not only jeopardizes the health of their patrons but also tarnishes the reputation and credibility of the establishment. Rita's Italian ice cream

Igbe O.

They don't pay their underage employees.Their are better local business to support. dol.gov/newsroom/release…

Jaida J.

After my child's performance at school she wanted RITAS so we wanted to treat her. When we arrived immediately the employee stated there was no custard which was a bummer. That meant no milkshakes or concretes... basically the good stuff. Then i saw a huge poster advertising frozen coffee ice cream so I asked the employee if they had that. She was confused and after looking on her phone said no. The employee was just doing her job but how on the hottest day of the year do you have no custard... what you are also known for. I settled for a scoop of ice cream which tasted stale. Wont be coming back for awhile... if ever.

WRΞΔK HΔVOC

This place is a great place for Italian ice. They have frozen custard as well and it's amazing. I highly recommend! Had to change my 5 Star down to 2 since this location didn't honor 1st day of spring free Italian ice day.

OG R3X Tv

How are u not gonna sell free ice cream on national ice cream day on ur website waste of time I wish I could’ve left no stars how disappointing

Erin H.

Just paid $8.39 for the smallest cup that wasn't even filled up... won't come here again. This feels like a rip off. The reeces peanut butter mudslide had no fudge in it. Guess they didn't feel like doing their job tonight. Really annoyed by this.

Sirongame

the taste of the custard made the drive worth it, save the family trip 1000% recommend this placeThey let us taste test the flavors we wanted because you know kids they can’t chose till they try every flavor once ?anyways definitely coming back to try that cookie vanilla sandwich ???Thanks agin !!!!!

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