Thrifty Ice Cream Faces Massive Closures Amid Rite Aid Bankruptcy
Thrifty Ice Cream, a West Coast staple since 1940, is on uncertain ground as parent company Rite Aid undergoes Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The result? Over 500 Thrifty Ice Cream counters inside Rite Aid pharmacies will shut down, putting the brand’s future in jeopardy.
A Beloved Brand Caught in the Crossfire
Thrifty Ice Cream began in a small factory in West Hollywood and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its small-batch quality and patented square scoop. By the 1970s, it had developed a cult following across California, with some flavors even drawing celebrity praise.
The company is known for pushing flavor boundaries, with creative combinations like Sriracha Swirl and Bacon & Cheddar. Many employees at the El Monte, CA plant have worked there for decades, scooping each carton by hand and marking it with their name.
But despite the brand’s legacy and loyal customer base, its fate ties directly to Rite Aid’s.
Why the Closures Are Happening
Rite Aid, which owns the ice cream brand, is closing hundreds of stores as part of its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. That includes the in-store ice cream counters found in about 500 pharmacies—all of which will shutter.
While the ice cream is still available in pints at retailers like Albertsons, Vons, and others, its scoop counters—key to the brand’s nostalgic appeal—are disappearing quickly.
Can Thrifty’s Legacy Scoops Survive?
The ice cream brand will be listed as a separate asset in Rite Aid’s Chapter 11 sale. A potential buyer could continue producing and distributing the ice cream, maintaining its grocery presence and supplying existing franchise scoop counters not owned by Rite Aid.
However, if no buyer steps up, the factory could shut down completely. Thrifty’s award-winning flavors might then become a thing of the past.
More…
- https://www.al.com/news/2025/05/popular-ice-cream-chain-to-close-500-stores.html
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-news-popular-ice-cream-chain-thrifty-to-close-500-stores-in-us-amid-bankruptcy-proceedings/articleshow/121495790.cms
- https://www.thestreet.com/retail/bankruptcy-forces-ice-cream-chain-to-close-500-locations-
