Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Continues Growth with July Opening in Tucson

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, the award-winning frozen treat brand, continues its national growth strategy with the opening of a new shop in Rita Ranch, a growing community in the Tucson, Arizona area. The opening comes as Jeremiah’s continues rapid systemwide growth, expanding from fewer than 100 outlets in 2023 to more than 170 today.

Key Takeaways

• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opened its Rita Ranch location on July 27 at 10165 E. Old Vail Road in Tucson, Arizona.
• The shop is owned by Andy DeGraff, who serves as the Area Representative for the Arizona territory with partner Amir Haghigi.
• The opening adds to Jeremiah’s growing presence in Arizona and reflects continued expansion in high-growth communities across the Southwest.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Expands in Arizona

The Rita Ranch shop, located at 10165 E. Old Vail Road in Tucson, officially opened July 27. The new location is owned by Andy DeGraff, an existing Jeremiah’s franchise partner who is also involved with the Gilbert, Arizona shop and serves as the Area Representative for the Arizona territory.

DeGraff opened his first Jeremiah’s location in 2021 as one of the brand’s early franchisees. Since then, he has continued building with the brand as Jeremiah’s has expanded its franchise system and strengthened its presence in markets across the South and Southwest.

“Andy has been an integral part of Jeremiah’s franchise growth story, and we are excited to see him continue building the brand in Arizona,” said Michael Keller, CEO of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. “The Rita Ranch opening reflects the kind of thoughtful market development we value, led by operators who know the brand, understand their communities and see the long-term opportunity in bringing Jeremiah’s to more guests.”

Why Is Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Opening in Rita Ranch?

Rita Ranch is part of a growing area southeast of Tucson, with new residential development, nearby employers and increasing commercial activity. DeGraff sees the community as an up-and-coming market where families are looking for more local options for food, entertainment and treats.

The new shop introduces Jeremiah’s signature Italian Ice, Soft Ice Cream and Jelati to guests in the Rita Ranch and Vail communities, offering a vibrant, family-friendly frozen treat destination for the area.

What Makes Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Attractive to Franchise Owners?

Jeremiah’s menu is built around a focused foundation with plenty of room for creativity. New flavors, seasonal offerings and product ideas are developed in thoughtful ways that utilize existing ingredients. That balance of operational simplicity and innovation is part of what draws people to Jeremiah’s. Many franchise owners first discovered the brand as guests, fell in love with the experience and saw an opportunity to bring that same sense of joy to their own communities.

What’s Next For Jeremiah’s Italian Ice?

The Rita Ranch opening adds to Jeremiah’s continued growth in Arizona, where the brand is building momentum through experienced franchise partners and market-level leadership. Arizona remains one of Jeremiah’s fastest-growing markets, with additional franchise agreements already signed for future development across the state. DeGraff will continue supporting the brand’s development across the state while helping bring Jeremiah’s Italian Ice to more communities.

For more information about Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchise opportunities, visit www.jeremiahsfranchise.com.

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ABOUT JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE
Founded in 1996 and franchising since 2019, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is known for its superior frozen treats, energetic brand personality and guest experience built around its motto, LIVE LIFE TO THE COOLEST®.

Jeremiah’s has earned national recognition for both innovation and franchise growth, including being named “America’s Most Unique Restaurant Menu” in the 2026 Datassential 500 Awards, ranking No. 211 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500® list and honored by Franchise Times as one of its “Fast & Serious: 40 Smart Growing Franchises.”

With 175+ locations open or in development across Florida, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Colorado, Nevada, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas, Jeremiah’s continues expanding throughout the Southern United States. For more information about Jeremiah’s franchise opportunity, visit jeremiahsfranchise.com.