This Popular Ice Cream Brand May Disappear Due To Rite Aid Closures

For generations of Californians, the cylindrical scoops of Thrifty Ice Cream have been more than just a frozen treat—they’ve been a cherished part of childhood memories. Now, as Rite Aid faces financial collapse and closes hundreds of stores nationwide, this iconic ice cream brand teeters on the brink of disappearing forever. The time to enjoy—and potentially save—this beloved ice cream may be running out.

Rite Aid’s Financial Collapse Threatens an Ice Cream Icon

Rite Aid, the Pennsylvania-headquartered drugstore chain with 1,240 stores nationwide, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since October 2023. This financial turmoil has led to the announcement of over 300 store closures across the country, with dozens specifically targeted in California.

For most Americans, these closures simply mean finding a new pharmacy. For Californians, however, the news carries a much more bittersweet significance—it could mean the end of Thrifty Ice Cream, a beloved brand with roots dating back nearly a century.

The Rich History of Thrifty Ice Cream

The story of Thrifty begins in 1929, when brothers Harry and Robert Borun, along with their brother-in-law Norman Levin, opened the first Thrifty drugstore in downtown Los Angeles. Four years later, they began selling ice cream from local dairies at their flagship store.

The original Thrifty Drug Store in downtown Los Angeles, where the ice cream legacy began in 1933.

By 1940, Thrifty Ice Cream had become so popular that the family opened their first dedicated ice cream plant in Hollywood. The operation continued to grow, and in 1976, they established a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot production facility in El Monte, California—a plant that continues to produce approximately 60,000 gallons of ice cream daily.

For decades, Thrifty Ice Cream earned gold medals at competitions, including annual awards at the Los Angeles County Fair since 1954. The brand became known not only for its quality but also for its affordability—true to the store’s name, it was consistently the cheapest premium ice cream in town.

From Thrifty to Rite Aid: The Beginning of Uncertainty

The slow decline of the Thrifty empire began in the late 1980s. Pacific Enterprise purchased the chain in 1986, followed by investment company Leonard Green & Partners in 1992. Finally, in 1996, Rite Aid acquired Thrifty, rebranding the stores but wisely keeping the beloved ice cream counters intact.

For nearly three decades under Rite Aid ownership, Thrifty Ice Cream maintained its loyal following. The brand expanded beyond store counters to retail containers sold in grocery stores and wholesale distribution for food service. However, with Rite Aid’s recent bankruptcy filing and widespread store closures, the future of this iconic brand hangs in the balance.

Californians Rally to Save Their Beloved Ice Cream

As news of the Rite Aid closures spread, social media has erupted with nostalgic posts and calls to action from devoted Thrifty fans. The hashtag #SaveThriftyIceCream has gained traction across platforms, with thousands sharing memories of their favorite flavors and experiences at Thrifty counters.

Several online petitions have emerged, calling for the preservation of the brand through acquisition by another retailer or independent operation of the El Monte production facility. One such petition on Change.org has already gathered over 15,000 signatures from passionate supporters unwilling to let their favorite ice cream disappear.

Industry Analysts Weigh In on Thrifty’s Future

Food industry experts and retail analysts have been closely monitoring the situation, offering insights into what might happen to Thrifty Ice Cream as Rite Aid’s restructuring continues.

Analysts point out that while Rite Aid has not commented specifically on Thrifty’s future, the ice cream brand represents a potentially valuable asset that could be sold separately from the pharmacy operations. The brand’s strong regional loyalty and existing distribution in grocery stores make it an attractive acquisition target for food conglomerates or private equity firms specializing in consumer brands.

Potential Futures for Thrifty Ice Cream

While the situation remains fluid, several potential scenarios could unfold for Thrifty Ice Cream in the coming months:

The most promising sign for Thrifty fans is that the brand has already established distribution beyond Rite Aid stores. The ice cream is available in retail containers at numerous grocery chains and is used by some independent restaurants and ice cream shops, suggesting the brand could survive even if the pharmacy counters disappear.

Counter vs. Container: Is There a Difference?

For those wondering if grocery store Thrifty containers offer the same experience as the iconic counter scoops, food critics have conducted taste tests with interesting results.

While the retail containers don’t perfectly replicate the counter experience, they do provide a reasonable alternative for Thrifty fans if the counters disappear. For the authentic experience, however, many are making pilgrimages to remaining Rite Aid locations while they still can.

How You Can Help Save Thrifty Ice Cream

If you’re a fan of Thrifty Ice Cream and want to see this iconic brand survive beyond Rite Aid’s troubles, there are several ways you can help:

The Last Scoop? Not If Fans Have Their Say

As Rite Aid’s restructuring continues, the fate of Thrifty Ice Cream remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is the deep connection many Californians feel to this nostalgic brand and their unwillingness to see it disappear.

From its humble beginnings in downtown Los Angeles to its gold medal-winning formulas produced in El Monte, Thrifty Ice Cream has been more than just a frozen treat—it’s been a constant in California culture for nearly a century.

Whether through acquisition by another retailer, independent operation, or expanded grocery distribution, there are viable paths forward for this beloved brand. But the window for action may be closing as Rite Aid proceeds with store closures and asset sales.

For now, fans are making their voices heard and their purchases count, hoping that this isn’t the last chapter for the ice cream that has defined summer days and special treats for generations of Californians.