Clarendon Hills is finally getting its frozen fix back. A new Rita's Italian Ice is set to move into the former Four Sons Mercantile space at 22 S. Prospect Avenue, with a September opening on the horizon. Tentative hours are set for noon to 10 p.m., and franchisee Abdull Masad plans to staff the shop with family members. The arrival of Rita's helps fill the void left when The Daily Scoop closed in October 2024 after more than 22 years in business.
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, Rita's will take over the Prospect Avenue storefront and is targeting a September debut. The paper noted the tentative noon to 10 p.m. schedule and confirmed that Masad, who already operates a Rita's in Oak Lawn, will be the face of the Clarendon Hills location as well.
Why residents wanted it back
Locals have been lobbying for a new scoop spot ever since The Daily Scoop shut its doors. A recent downtown visioning survey repeatedly called to "bring back an ice cream shop," with several respondents writing that "losing the Daily Scoop was a real loss to the community." The Village of Clarendon Hills survey results show that family friendly retail and community events such as Daisy Days and Dancin' in the Street rank high on residents' wish lists for downtown.
What Rita's will bring
Rita's, the Pennsylvania born chain known for Italian ice and frozen custard, touts dozens of flavors on its store pages and leans into a mix of icy treats and creamy custard. According to Rita's, the brand also uses mobile and catering units at festivals and fundraisers, a setup that could fit neatly into Clarendon Hills' busy event calendar.
Per the Chicago Tribune, Masad said customers "may expect exceptional service from him, his family and employees," adding that he expects to be visible at village events this summer. The Oak Lawn Chamber confirms Masad's existing Rita's operation in Oak Lawn and notes the brand's mobile presence in the region.
Downtown impact
Local business leaders see Rita's as a high visibility tenant that helps plug a prominent gap on Prospect Avenue while the village pushes ahead with its downtown improvement plan. According to the Village of Clarendon Hills, planners are focused on building year round activity and programming that keeps shoppers and families circulating through downtown businesses.
Masad said he hopes to welcome Clarendon Hills residents by early fall, and neighborhood families seem eager to reclaim a go to summertime meet up spot. With Rita's moving in, Prospect Avenue looks poised to get its ice cream anchor back.
