Thrifty Ice Cream’s Melting Moment: 500 Stores to Close Amid Rite Aid Bankruptcy
Hey everyone, have you heard the news? A beloved classic from the ice cream world is facing a massive shake-up. Thrifty Ice Cream, known for its iconic circular scoops and nostalgic counter service, is set to vanish from 500 locations across the U.S. That’s right—500 Thrifty counters are shutting down, and it’s all tied to the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings of Rite Aid.
It’s honestly a bit of a gut punch if you grew up on those hand-scooped cones inside your local Rite Aid. This isn't just a brand disappearing from shelves—it's a piece of American summer, a West Coast childhood memory, slipping away from our everyday routines. And the core reason? Rite Aid, which bought Thrifty back in 1996, is facing its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in under a year. To pay off mounting debts and streamline operations, they’re closing hundreds of stores—many of which housed these charming Thrifty counters.
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But here’s the twist: Thrifty Ice Cream itself isn’t disappearing completely. You’ll still be able to find it in standalone shops and various retailers across the country. The factory in El Monte, California, is still churning out those creamy, familiar flavors—some crafted by employees who’ve been there for decades. However, the closure of these 500 Rite Aid counters marks a big chapter ending. No more grabbing a cone while you pick up your prescription. That spontaneous treat is now a thing of the past.
What’s more, Rite Aid is looking to sell off remaining assets, including Thrifty’s operations. So there’s hope a new buyer will step in and keep the brand alive in grocery stores or maybe even give it new life in independent parlors. We almost saw that happen back in 2018 when Albertsons tried to buy both Rite Aid and Thrifty, but that deal fell through.
So yes, this news stings a bit. Especially for those of us who associated a Thrifty scoop with sunny afternoons, cheap thrills, and a time when things just felt simpler. But like Evan Lovett said in his video, “Thrifty Ice Cream is going to be scooping up smiles for years to come—just maybe not at your local Rite Aid.” Here’s hoping the next chapter of this sweet story is just as satisfying.
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