Thrifty Ice Cream has survived decades—But can it survive this?

The future of Thrifty Ice Cream remains unclear as Rite Aid Corp. closes dozens of stores nationwide following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, leaving customers and ice cream enthusiasts wondering whether the beloved brand will survive the corporate restructuring.

As Rite Aid restructures, all of its assets, including Thrifty Ice Cream and its 55,000-square-foot El Monte factory, are under review for potential sale. Rite Aid acquired Thrifty Drug Stores in 1996, maintaining the ice cream production and scoop counter operations. The drugstore chain has continued operating the El Monte facility, which serves as the primary production site for all Thrifty ice cream flavors.

Known for its iconic cylindrical scoop shape, affordable pricing, and nostalgic presence inside drugstores, it gained widespread recognition quickly. The factory still follows many of the original recipes, producing fan favorites like Chocolate Malted Krunch and Butter Pecan with the same richness and dense texture that set the brand apart from mass-market options.

Rite Aid announced store closures affecting more than 20 California locations, including outlets that have served Thrifty ice cream from scoop counters for decades. Southern California has held a special place in the hearts of Thrifty Ice Cream fans since its introduction in 1940. Some local restaurants like Ball Park Pizza in San Clemente have been serving Thrifty ice cream since opening in 2014. The brand also maintains distribution through dozens of retailers who stock Thrifty ice cream in freezer sections.

While Thrifty’s prepackaged ice cream remains available in grocery stores and some restaurants, fans argue it’s not the same. The texture and flavor intensity often differ due to storage conditions and container size. The scoop-counter versions are denser and richer, partly due to the large three-gallon tubs they’re stored in, while store-bought versions may suffer from airier textures and subdued mix-ins.

The bare shelves and reduced inventory create an atmosphere that long-time customers describe as the end of an era. Many Rite Aid locations that previously maintained full ice cream counters now offer only remnants of their former selections.

The uncertainty extends beyond individual consumers to businesses that have incorporated Thrifty ice cream into their offerings. Unless the brand finds a new buyer, it risks melting away for good.

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