Rita’s marks spring

Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard will celebrate the first day of spring on Friday with a free 6-ounce Italian ice giveaway to guests at all 600-plus locations nationwide. Rita’s expects to serve approximately 1 million cups of its signature Italian ice during the annual spring tradition.

Available just in time for spring, Rita’s is teaming up with the iconic marshmallow treat brand Peeps to introduce a new Mystery Peeps flavor. The limited time offering is launching on March 20.

Local Rita’s locations can be found at: 3415 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona; 135 W. Pitt St., Bedford; and 1609 N. Atherton St., State College.

Smoothie cafe opens

The Tropical Smoothie Cafe is now open for business at 216 Park Hills Plaza.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers made-to-order smoothies, wraps, flatbreads and bowls. Food options, including breakfast, are offered all day. Customers can dine in or choose carry-out and can order ahead for pickup or delivery through the Tropical Reward app or online through the website at tropicalsmoothiecafe.com. Catering is also available.

Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

JOHNSTOWN

Coworking open house set

Professionals, entrepreneurs, remote workers and creatives are invited to experience a new way to work during a free Coworking Open House at the CO, 245 Market St., Johnstown.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and is open to anyone who wants to bring a laptop, settle in and try working from the space for the day.

Operated by JARI Growth Fund, an affiliate of Johnstown Area Regional Industries, the CO offers a collaborative workspace designed to support entrepreneurs, remote professionals, startups and growing businesses in the region.

The event is free and open to the public and no membership is required to participate in the coworking day. For more information, go to thecojohnstown.com.