The Rita’s Lady–An American Franchise Success Story

4 Min Watch By Barbara Castiglia and Kevin Freibott

Fourteen years ago, Hilda Colòn invested every penny she had in a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise in Woodbridge, NJ because she wanted her own piece of the American dream. 

“If I’m working so hard,  I might as well be working for myself,” explained Colòn. "Failing was not an option.”

In the first year, she practically lived in the store and learned how to run the business. Woodbridge has gone from being one of the worst performing stores to one of the top performing stores in New Jersey.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico,  Colòn has been helping her family affected by the devastation of Hurricane Maria by giving back and donating sales from football games.

In this MRM News clip, Colòn discusses her perseverance and journey as a restaurant franchise owner.