Thrifty Ice Cream Is Shutting Down 500 Counters as Rite Aid Faces Bankruptcy
If you’ve ever picked up a scoop of Thrifty Ice Cream at your local Rite Aid, you might want to hold onto that memory. The beloved brand is shutting down around 500 of its in-store ice cream counters across the U.S. This comes after Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy again, which honestly doesn’t come as a total shock, considering the retail pharmacy chain has been struggling for a while now.
Why Thrifty Is Closing So Many Locations
Rite Aid, the parent company of Thrifty, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than two years. With rising debts and growing competition from bigger pharmacy chains and online health platforms, it’s been a rough road for them. As part of its plan to cut costs and survive, Rite Aid is shutting down non-essential operations — and sadly, Thrifty’s iconic ice cream counters are on that list.
These counters have been a part of Rite Aid stores for decades, especially popular on the West Coast. They were cheap, nostalgic, and honestly just fun. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a lot of people who grew up getting scoops there after school or on weekend errands.
What Happens to Thrifty Now?
Here’s the thing — Thrifty Ice Cream isn’t going away completely. Even though the scoop counters inside Rite Aid are closing, the brand will still be around. You’ll still be able to buy their pre-packaged ice cream in certain grocery stores and at standalone retail locations. Plus, their main factory in El Monte, California, is still running and will keep making ice cream.
So no, it’s not the total end for Thrifty. But yeah, it’s the end of a particular experience — those old-school, hand-scooped cones you’d grab for a couple of bucks while shopping for toothpaste or greeting cards.
There Might Still Be Hope
There’s also a bit of a twist. As part of the bankruptcy process, Rite Aid is planning to sell off some of its assets, and that includes Thrifty. Offers from potential buyers are expected by the end of June. So it’s possible a new owner could step in and give Thrifty a fresh start — maybe even bring the scoop counters back one day.
Rite Aid’s CEO has said that there’s already some interest from regional and national buyers. So while nothing’s confirmed yet, people who love Thrifty are keeping their fingers crossed.
Why This Hits Hard for a Lot of People
For many Americans, especially those on the West Coast, Thrifty is more than just ice cream — it’s a piece of childhood. It started way back in the 1940s as part of Thrifty Drug Stores, which Rite Aid bought in 1996. Over time, it became part of people’s routines — get your prescription, grab a scoop of Chocolate Malted Krunch, and carry on with your day.
The brand stood out for its cylinder-shaped scoops, low prices, and fun flavors, and it managed to stick around while other brands came and went. That’s why it’s hitting so many people hard. It feels like the end of a simple, happy tradition.
