The Thrifty Ice Cream chain, which has been around on the West Coast since 1940, is planning to close more than 500 of its hand-scooped shops. A joyful buy-in local Rite Aid stores before, the brand’s future remains unclear, as the parent company faces a second bankruptcy filing in recent years. Thrifty was famous for its classic-shaped ice cream scoops and its amusing, old-fashioned tastes, so many people snacking on its cones may see the reduction in its number of stores as the end of an era.
What Happened? Rite Aid Nearly Ran Out of Money
It is the company’s ongoing bankruptcy that is driving these closures. Dealing with its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in two years, the big pharmacy chain is restructuring its finances to manage its many debts, legal issues, and inefficiencies. Thus, hundreds of stores doing poorly, some with Thrifty Ice Cream stands, are being closed. Because Thrifty is located in most Rite Aid pharmacies, over half of its outlets are now at risk from these closures.
Since purchasing Thrifty Ice Cream in 1996, Rite Aid has made the brand a central part of its stores on the West Coast. In addition to filling out prescriptions, clients also picked up colorful treats like rainbow sherbet and butter pecan—choices made famous by celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian. Even so, by changing structures and selling goods to reduce costs, many doubt that the company can recover.
A Long History of Interesting and Delicious Food
Nonetheless, the company’s reputation is still mostly unaffected. During the company’s history, it has won many prizes for creating high-quality artisanal goods. The brand stands out with its individual designs for spoons as well as unusual, creative flavors. They carry unusual treats, including many flavors with bacon, Sriracha, and even those from loved brands like Chuck E. Cheese. Because the scooping process involves a downward push, rather than side-scraping, it has found favor with chefs who say it cuts down on wrist strain after using it for a long time.
People in LA adore Thrifty both for how its products and brand continue to reflect their traditions. Its iconic square scoop has embodied retro American culture, and people are unhappy to learn it may no longer be found in local stores.
Could the Brand Keep Existing Separate from Rite Aid?
Although these closures show a big contraction, Thrifty Ice Cream might not be completely written off. According to both Time Out and Newsweek, the company’s intellectual property and factory in El Monte, California, are now available to buy. As a result, a third-party business, such as a grocery or convenience store chain, could acquire the brand to sustain it and facilitate its expansion.
This isn’t the first time we have considered selling a piece of the Yellowstone. In 2018, talks to sell Thrifty Ice Cream to Albertsons fell through after initial interest. Yet, because Rite Aid’s situation is urgent, Walgreens has a real opportunity to finalize this transaction. It is thought by some specialists that certain national or regional buyers might want to restart Thrifty either as its own butchery or as part of a grocery plan.
Community and Cultural Impact
The closures are hitting communities hard, especially in areas where the local Rite Aid served as both a neighborhood pharmacy and a place to grab a nostalgic treat. Social media has seen an outpouring of support and disappointment, with influencers and locals alike reminiscing about childhood memories associated with Thrifty. Evan Lovett, host of “L.A. in a Minute,” optimistically noted that while Rite Aid may be going away, Thrifty Ice Cream might still “scoop up smiles for years to come.”
This sense of cultural loss underscores how food brands can become more than just products—they often hold emotional value tied to experiences, family traditions, and community connections. For many, Thrifty was a small yet comforting indulgence during daily errands, now potentially relegated to history books if no buyer steps up.
