Amid Rite Aid’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and plans to close hundreds of stores, the future of Thrifty Ice Cream, a beloved West Coast brand, remains uncertain. As Rite Aid moves forward with selling off its assets, including the iconic ice cream brand, customers are left to wonder whether Thrifty’s decades-long legacy will survive the company’s financial troubles.
Thrifty Ice Cream, founded in 1940 in West Hollywood, California, quickly became a staple for many West Coast residents. Initially sold at Thrifty Drug Stores, the ice cream gained a loyal following for its creamy texture and signature cylindrical scoops. By the 1970s, it had achieved cult status, earning shout-outs from celebrities and becoming an integral part of the California experience.
In 1996, Rite Aid acquired Thrifty, bringing the brand under the pharmacy giant’s wing. While many Rite Aid locations continued to serve Thrifty Ice Cream at in-store counters, especially in California, Arizona, and parts of Mexico, the bankruptcy has cast doubt on the brand’s future. Rite Aid’s plan to sell off assets, including Thrifty, has raised questions about whether the ice cream will continue to be available at the pharmacy chain’s locations.
As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, Rite Aid intends to auction off many of its assets, including Thrifty Ice Cream. Despite the uncertainty, some Rite Aid stores still feature Thrifty Ice Cream counters, but these locations have not been officially listed on the company’s website as of May 30. While the ice cream continues to be sold in cartons at select grocery stores, including Rite Aid and Albertsons, it is unclear whether these retail partnerships will be maintained post-bankruptcy.
The future of Thrifty Ice Cream is now hanging in the balance, with the brand potentially continuing through retail channels or disappearing entirely from store shelves.
“Will miss the experience”
News of Thrifty Ice Cream’s uncertain future has sparked an outpouring of emotion from its long-time fans. For many, Thrifty is more than just a brand; it represents nostalgia, family memories, and a connection to the past. Fans have taken to social media to express their dismay over the possibility of losing the beloved ice cream, which has been part of the West Coast experience for generations.
“For all the people trying to say that you can just go to the market and buy it, you’re missing the point,” one user wrote. “It’s the whole experience of walking up to the dipping cabinet, salivating over the different flavors, and getting that cone with that special Thrifty scooper.”
The distinctive cylindrical scoop, which is still available for purchase online, has become a defining feature of the brand. Many fans reminisced about their trips to Thrifty counters, where they could enjoy a scoop of their favorite flavor served with the iconic trigger-powered scoop.
What is next for thrifty?
With Rite Aid’s bankruptcy auction scheduled for June 20, it remains unclear whether Thrifty Ice Cream will be sold off to a new owner or disappear along with the rest of Rite Aid’s assets. As the company seeks to offload its properties, including the beloved ice cream brand, fans are left holding out hope that someone will step in to preserve Thrifty’s legacy. As of now, the future of Thrifty Ice Cream remains uncertain, and the ice cream brand’s fate will likely depend on the outcome of the auction and whether any potential buyers see the value in maintaining its long-standing tradition