A beloved American ice cream chain with decades of history is facing major cutbacks. Thrifty Ice Cream, famous for its square-shaped scoops and nostalgic presence in West Coast Rite Aid stores, is closing 500 locations as part of Rite Aid’s ongoing bankruptcy restructuring.
Founded in 1940 in West Hollywood, Thrifty has spent over 85 years winning fans across generations. Known for its unique dispensing method and quirky flavors like Siracha Swirl and bacon cheddar, Thrifty built a cult following not just for taste, but for tradition. Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian have even praised the brand, with her Camp Poosh event featuring a Thrifty ice cream stand.
But that legacy is now facing an uncertain future.
Rite Aid, which owns and operates most Thrifty counters inside its pharmacies, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2023. The closures of more than 500 Rite Aid locations mean the corresponding Thrifty ice cream counters will also shut down. While Thrifty-branded products may remain in select grocery stores and independent franchise outlets, the in-store scoop shops are being phased out.
The closure reflects a larger trend in the retail and pharmacy industry. Rite Aid joins CVS and Walgreens in downsizing physical locations following the pandemic, shifting focus to e-commerce and pharmacy services. But for loyal Thrifty fans, this change hits differently — it’s more than just losing a treat; it’s the end of an era.
There is still a glimmer of hope. As Rite Aid restructures and sells off assets, Thrifty Ice Cream could be purchased and revitalized as a standalone brand. Industry insiders suggest that if the right buyer steps in, the brand may continue to serve its classic butter pecan and rainbow sherbet scoops — just not from behind the Rite Aid counter.
Until then, longtime fans are rushing to grab one last nostalgic cone before the closures are complete. For now, Thrifty’s signature square scoop remains a sweet memory from a simpler time in American retail history.