10 January . 2025
Downtown Nexton Starts with Something Sweet: Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard
Downtown Nexton is buzzing with excitement as it continues to grow into a vibrant destination. Soon, it will be home to everything from chewy bagels at Wakey Bakey to pampering facials at Clean Your Dirty Face and luxurious spa days at Revive Health Studio. But the first retailer to open its doors and bring the energy to life is Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, where the sweet treats are already making Downtown Nexton a favorite stop for locals.
A Taste of Happiness
For Kelly, the owner of Rita’s in Downtown Nexton, opening the store was more than just a business venture — it was a personal journey inspired by family and community. Originally from the South, Kelly and her family discovered Rita’s while living in Baltimore. The high-quality treats and friendly service made a lasting impression.
“When we moved back to the Lowcountry to be closer to family, we realized there was nothing like Rita’s in the region,” Kelly explains. “It’s a happy product, and we wanted to bring that joy to our new community.”
A Sweet Connection
For Kelly, Rita’s is more than just a place to grab a treat — it’s a way to connect with the community. “I love meeting new people, building connections, and getting to know my neighbors,” she shared. “Doing all that while serving something sweet just feels right!”
The inspiration behind their company name, Happy Thoughts, stems from a saying Kelly’s late father often used: “We’ll keep a happy thought.” When she discovered that Rita’s tagline was “Ice, Custard, Happiness,” it felt like a sign.
“We wanted to create a place where people come in and leave with a smile,” Kelly says. “Rita’s offers something sweet that makes everyone happy.”
Not Your Average Treat
If you haven’t tried Italian ice and frozen custard before, prepare to be wowed. Rita’s Italian ice is made fresh daily, and the custard is a richer, creamier take on soft serve. Their signature treat, the gelati, layers custard and Italian ice for a dessert that’s anything but ordinary.
“People sometimes think Italian ice is like a snow cone, but it’s completely different,” Kelly shares. “Try it with the custard — it’s a total game-changer!”
Why Nexton?
When deciding where to open their store, Downtown Nexton was an easy choice.
“Nexton just felt like the perfect fit,” Kelly says. “The area is growing, it’s close to schools, and it’s such a vibrant community where people walk and ride their golf carts everywhere. It’s the kind of place where we wanted to be.”
Visit Rita’s Today
Whether you’re a fan of fruity Italian ice, creamy custard, or the best of both worlds in a gelati, Rita’s has something for everyone. Swing by Downtown Nexton and see why it’s the happiest new spot in town.
And stay tuned for rolling openings throughout 2025!