Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the dessert shop at 7866 N. Academy Blvd. near the Chapel Hills Mall, will temporarily close beginning at the end of business on Wednesday as the store undergoes a change in ownership.

Kathy Gehauf opened the shop, a franchise location of the Pennsylvania-based quick-service dessert chain, in 2016. Her 10-year franchise agreement ended Wednesday, but she has been in negotiations with a new buyer.

Gehauf said in a news release the shop will close temporarily at 10 p.m. Wednesday, with new ownership expected to take over the location and reopen the store on or around Sept. 1.

Gehauf will personally be in the store between 5 and 8 p.m. Wednesday to say goodbye to customers, friends, employees and other community members. She is transitioning out of the business to spend more time with her family and to consider other potential entrepreneurial endeavors, she previously said.

“This is certainly a bittersweet day,” she said in the Wednesday news release. “I am incredibly grateful for the customers, employees, friends and families who have supported us throughout the years. I would love the opportunity to see and thank as many people as possible before we close our doors tonight. Though I will miss owning this business significantly, I do look forward to other business opportunities and future partnerships in Colorado Springs.”

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened its first restaurant in 1984 in Bensalem Township, Pa., near Philadelphia. Its menu includes Italian ice, frozen custards and other specialty creations.

The chain today has nearly 600 locations in 30 states. In Colorado, it has three locations, including one in Parker and currently two in Colorado Springs, on North Academy and on Dublin boulevards, according to its website. Gehauf does not own the Dublin Boulevard location, which will continue operating.