The future of beloved Thrifty Ice Cream is uncertain as Rite Aid prepares to close hundreds of stores following its bankruptcy filing, sparking concern among ice cream fans nationwide.
Though Rite Aid is not the only retailer selling Thrifty Ice Cream, its extensive network has made the frozen dessert widely accessible, especially on the West Coast. With the upcoming closures, many loyal customers are worried about finding their favorite treat.
A Reddit community of Zillennials—those born between the late 1990s and early 2000s—has been vocal about the potential loss. “Wait… You mean to tell me that the greatest ice cream in existence could be gone soon?” one user lamented.
Thrifty Ice Cream originated in 1940 at a small factory in West Hollywood, California. Initially sold by the cone at the flagship Thrifty Drug Store in downtown Los Angeles, the ice cream gained cult status over the decades, attracting fans including celebrities. By the 1970s, it had become a West Coast icon.
Rite Aid acquired Thrifty Ice Cream in 1996 and continued to sell the brand in both cartons and at ice cream counters within select stores. Now, as part of Rite Aid’s bankruptcy proceedings, Thrifty Ice Cream is slated for auction on June 20, raising questions about the brand’s future ownership and availability.
As of late May, Thrifty Ice Cream remains available at select retailers such as Rite Aid, Albertsons, and Vons, with scoop counters in California and Arizona, plus expanding presence in other U.S. regions and Mexico. However, a previously active store locator on the brand’s website is no longer functional, adding to consumer uncertainty.
Fans are rallying online to save the ice cream they love. “If we work some Zillennial magic, we can save the ice cream,” one user encouraged. Others praised the brand’s quality and affordability, highlighting popular flavors like pistachio and mint chocolate chip.
The brand’s fate underscores challenges in the ice cream franchise industry as market shifts and retailer closures impact availability. Yet, Thrifty’s passionate fan base holds hope that this iconic ice cream will continue to be a freezer staple for years to come.
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