Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard Brings Its Famous Frozen Treats to Stableside at Falcon Landing in Katy
Katy residents are about to get another taste of summer with a Philly twist as Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard announces its upcoming arrival at Stableside at Falcon Landing, located at 9806 Gaston Road, Katy, TX 77494. The beloved national chain, known for its refreshing Italian ices and award-winning frozen custards, has leased a 601-square-foot space at the high-traffic intersection of Gaston Road and Falcon Landing Boulevard.
This marks Rita’s second Katy location, adding to an existing shop at 24818 Morton Ranch Rd, Suite 600. The expansion reflects a growing demand for nostalgic, handcrafted desserts in the heart of Katy’s suburban neighborhoods.
A Legacy of Ice, Custard—and Happiness
The Rita’s story began on a humble front porch in 1984. Bob Tumolo, a former firefighter from Philadelphia, launched the business in a bid to create the best-tasting, highest-quality Italian Ice around. He named it after his wife, Rita, and it quickly became a community favorite. Today, Rita’s operates in more than 30 states, serving millions with its famous slogan: “Ice, Custard, Happiness.”
The Stableside location will offer a full lineup of Rita’s signature treats including its top-selling Mango Italian Ice, Cherry Ice, and the fan-favorite Swedish Fish® flavor. The menu also includes creamy frozen custards (hand-scooped or soft-serve), Gelatis (layers of Italian ice and custard), Blendinis, Concretes, Gelati Blenders, Ice Blenders, milkshakes, and take-home custard cookie sandwiches and pints.
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Retail Momentum Builds in Stableside
Rita’s joins the evolving retail landscape of Stableside, which has recently welcomed other locally rooted businesses. One notable newcomer is Ivy & Rae Boutique, a stylish and heartwarming women’s clothing store opened by Katy native Christa Lollis.
Located in Suite 180, Ivy & Rae offers trendy, affordable clothing and accessories. But beyond fashion, the boutique tells a story of love and legacy. “In 2016, we fostered two girls one after the other. Their names… Ivy and Rheayla (Rhea),” said Christa in a welcome message to customers. “These girls were so important to all of us and they will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
Christa, a Houston native and Southwest Texas alum, turned her passion for shopping and fashion into a mission-driven venture named after the girls who changed her family forever. “When trying to think of a name for the store… I kept going back to the two names of the girls who forever changed our family. So now, they won't just be in our hearts but a part of our everyday journey.”
The boutique filled a retail space previously home to The Big 3 Boutique, continuing Stableside’s focus on vibrant, community-centered commerce.
Behind the Lease
Rita’s Stableside deal was brokered with Lara Lee LaMendola of NewQuest representing the landlord and Campbell Anderson and Ben Dicecco of DuWest representing the tenant. With its small footprint and high-traffic location, the new store is poised to draw families, teens, and longtime fans seeking a cold, flavorful escape from the Texas heat.
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Looking Ahead
As Katy’s suburban growth continues, neighborhood-centric retail centers like Stableside are quickly becoming hubs for dining, shopping, and community life. With the arrival of Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard and other unique small businesses like Ivy & Rae, residents can look forward to more ways to connect, indulge, and celebrate local flavor.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
