Rita's Italian Ice - Squirrel Hill

Mandatory: We will/we pledge to display our Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation on our website, menu, and/or marketing materials

Restaurant's statement: Our restaurant will display our Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation through our website, menu, and/or marketing materials, and program decal.

Mandatory: We will/we pledge to post the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant decal in a place visible to restaurant guests

Restaurant's statement: Our restaurant will display our Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation through our website, menu, and/or marketing materials, and program decal.

We have adopted a comprehensive sustainability policy

Restaurant's statement: We have a sustainability policy regarding waste reduction and purchasing.

We provide sustainability-related training and information to all new and existing employees

Restaurant's statement: We provide sustainability training to all employees.

We include updates on our sustainable actions within staff meetings

Restaurant's statement: We provide regular updates to our sustainable policies to employees.

We recycle all of the following materials: paper, glass, plastic, cardboard, and aluminum

Restaurant's statement: All recyclable martial is taken to construction junction.

We recycle/donate for reuse some of the following large materials/items: appliances, building materials, cabinets, countertops, windows, doors, flooring, mirrors, furniture, toilets, sinks

Restaurant's statement: Old equipment was donated for recycling.

We recycle/donate for reuse some of the following small materials/items: polystyrene/Styrofoam, light bulbs, batteries, aerosol cans, paint, computer systems, hardware, light fixtures, ink and toner cartridges

Restaurant's statement: Ink and toner cartridges are recycled through Staples.

We buy at least one of the following products in bulk - no individually wrapped/portioned items: straws, to-go cutlery, or condiments used for in-house orders

Restaurant's statement: Sugar, spoons, cups.

We post our daily specials or menu on a chalkboard/whiteboard as opposed to printing

Restaurant's statement: Menu is posted outside the store.

We do not use plastic bags to bag take-out items or have instilled an "offer first" approach to bagging take-out items in plastic

Restaurant's statement: We use an offer first approach for plastic bags and have paper alternative.

We have eliminated the use of polystyrene foam or Styrofoam containers (boxes and cups) for take-out use

Restaurant's statement: We do use polystyrene/Styrofoam products.

We purchase plastic products/containers that are recyclable

Restaurant's statement: ice mix containers. gallon and quart containers. bottled water.

If we offer our guests paper self-serve napkins, we use a single output dispenser

Restaurant's statement: We use single output napkin dispensers.

We use a paperless system to process guest orders

Restaurant's statement: Clover POS system used for each individual order with no paper needed.

We use a paperless ordering and billing for vendors where it is available

Restaurant's statement: Vendor ordering is done online.

We pay utility bills electronically (when given the option)

Restaurant's statement: All bills are paid online.

We thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator (not with running water)

Restaurant's statement: We thaw frozen foods by moving them to refrigeration for thawing.

We regularly check for and repair leaks in our water system

Restaurant's statement: Regularly check for leaks and repair as needed.

We take necessary precautions to prevent wastewater contaminants produced during exterior cleaning/pressure washing or cleaning of floor mats, trash cans, or equipment from entering storm drains

Restaurant's statement: Outdoor cleaning done with water only.

We turn off all kitchen faucets when not in use

Restaurant's statement: All faucets are turned off when not in use.

We have our HVAC inspected annually to ensure it is in proper working condition and operating efficiently

Restaurant's statement: We have our HVAC inspected annually by Bolster DeHart.

We use a programmable thermostat (continuously programmed to heat at 68 degrees and cool at 74 degrees during operating hours and 62 to heat/85 to cool during non-operating hours)

Restaurant's statement: We use a programmable thermostat to set per the requirements outlined.

We have addressed energy efficiency through our windows and doors

Restaurant's statement: Windows are double pained.

We have installed plastic strip curtains at walk-in cooler and freezer doors

Restaurant's statement: Walk in freezer has strip curtains.

We turn off non-emergency indoor lights during non-operating hours

Restaurant's statement: All lights are turned off during non-operating hours.

We turn off lights in unused spaces or have installed sensors/timers to automatically turn them off

Restaurant's statement: Lights in unused spaces are turned off when not in use.

We regularly clean evaporator and condenser coils on refrigerators (every 3 months)

Restaurant's statement: refrigeration coils cleaned regularly.

We maintain the temperature of our hot water heater at 140 degrees or at the lowest temperature consistent with our sanitizing system

Restaurant's statement: hot water heater set consistent with health department standards.

We turn off all electronic equipment at the end of business or place them in energy saving mode

Restaurant's statement: All equipment is turned off at end of business or placed in energy saving mode.

We partner with, fundraise, sponsor, promote or donate to a local community organization, community members, or cause

Restaurant's statement: Pittsburgh Zoo, Friendship Circle.

We provide employment opportunities for residents of the local community

Restaurant's statement: 100% percent of our employees are local.

There is a secure location to store bicycles at or near our restaurant

Restaurant's statement: Bike rack's are available near the store.

We have a bicycle air pump and flat tire repair kit on premises

Restaurant's statement: Bicycle pump and tools available close to the store.

Our employees participate in volunteer activities

Restaurant's statement: Our employees volunteer in various capacities.

We exceed the industry standard for FOH and BOH employee wages (over the current minimum wage rate) or have instituted an alternative pay system structure compared to traditional industry methods

Restaurant's statement: We pay all employees above minimum wage.

Our restaurant is owned by someone who lives within the local region

Restaurant's statement: Owner lives within 2 miles of the store.

We provide employees with at least 11 hours of non-working time between shifts

Restaurant's statement: employees are given at least 11 hours between shifts.

We provide our employees at least one day off for every five days worked consecutively

Restaurant's statement: employees get at least one day off for every 5 days worked consecutively.

Our full-time salaried employees work an average no more than of 35-45 hours/week

Restaurant's statement: salaried employees work on average 35 to 45 hours/week.

We offer internal promotions

Restaurant's statement: Opportunity to move to shift lead/manager positions.

We give raises based on employee performance and responsibility

Restaurant's statement: Raises are given based on performance and responsibility.

We provide discounts for our employees at our restaurant

Restaurant's statement: Employees are allowed free product during their shifts.

We provide bonuses or incentives for employee performance

Restaurant's statement: Incentive programs are run with employee rewards.

We work hard to ensure a diverse and inclusive work environment

Restaurant's statement: We offer all potential employees an equal opportunity for employment. We are open to hiring any qualified candidates.

Our restaurant provides vegetarian/vegan fare

Restaurant's statement: All products are vegetarian. Italian ice is vegetarian/vegan.

Our restaurant provides menu items or side dishes marketed as healthier, lower calorie options than our traditional menu choices

Restaurant's statement: All natural ice flavors offered.

Our restaurant provides allergen-free options

Restaurant's statement: All products are gluten free.

Our restaurant provides calorie counts

Restaurant's statement: Calorie counts are displayed on menu board.