Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has signed on to take over the longtime home of China Taste at 155 Rollins Ave. in Rockville. The store is listed as “coming soon,” though an opening timeframe has not yet been announced.
The Rockville location will join another previously reported Rita’s coming soon to Montgomery County at 26324 Ridge Rd. in Damascus. That store will take over a space previously occupied by a barbershop.
China Taste permanently closed its Rollins Ave. restaurant in June after serving the Rockville community for more than three decades. The owners decided to retire rather than renew the restaurant’s lease.
Over the years, China Taste developed a devoted following for its generous portions, affordable prices and Chinese dishes. For many longtime customers, the restaurant had become a neighborhood staple.
Following the closure, longtime customer Ben Shlesinger told The MoCoShow, “Sorry to share this horrible news. I had been going to China Taste for decades, ever since it replaced Doc’s Pizza. This is probably close to 40 years. I will never forget China Taste.”
Rita’s is known for its Italian ice, frozen custard, gelati, Blendini and other frozen treats. An opening date for the new Rockville location will be provided when available.
