The popular and iconic Thrifty ice cream chain is set to close five hundred sites. These sites are located within Rite Aid stores. Having decided that Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a good option, Rite Aid is restructuring. Part of this involves shutting down Rite Aid pharmacy locations. Thrifty ice cream counters within Rite Aid pharmacies close when the stores close. Thrifty ice cream is available in scoop form at Rite Aid locations with Thrifty counters. It is also sold in larger containers at a variety of other stores.
The Thrifty ice cream chain has existed since 1940. It started in a West Hollywood factory. Then, it became a popular soda fountain item at Thrifty Drug Store. The ice cream at Thrifty is created in small batches. Thrifty has been the winner of more than 1,600 global dairy competition gold medals. Kourtney Kardashian Barker is an enthusiastic fan of the Thrifty ice cream chain.
About the Thrifty Ice Cream Chain
Time Out describes Thrifty as “a historic ice cream brand out of Los Angeles.” The Thrifty ice cream chain first began serving up scoops in 1940. Thrifty’s website states that the brand “was launched… at a small factory in West Hollywood.” Thrifty ice cream became a popular item at the Thrifty Drug Store. The ice cream was available at the store’s soda fountain. Along with being popular, the ice cream is award-winning. The website reports Thrifty “has won over 1,600 gold medals in global dairy competitions.” The business has served ice cream made in small batches for eighty-five years.
Thrifty ice cream scoops have traditionally been available at multiple Rite Aid pharmacy locations. The ice cream is also available in containers. Time Out reports that “more than 2,300 grocery stores and chain stores” currently carry Thrifty. Thrifty ice cream counters have a distinctive way in which their ice cream is presented. According to Time Out, “Thrifty is known for being served out of a square-topped scooper.” The ice cream comes in a variety of flavors. Cotton Candy is one available flavor. Also, Thrifty partnered in 2024 with Chuck E. Cheese to create birthday cake ice cream.
Thrifty Ice Cream’s Many Fans
Time Out reports that Thrifty has “earned many accolades… and even shoutouts from Hollywood celebrities.” The brand has been popular since its outset. The Thrifty website states: “By the 1970s, Thrifty ice cream had achieved cult status.” In addition, many Thrifty employees have worked with the company for a long time. Some have been with the Thrifty ice cream chain for thirty years. The website exclaims: “With love comes longevity.”
KTLA states that a common Google search asks why Thrifty is “so good.” A particular fan of the ice cream chain is Kourtney Kardashian Barker. Flavors she enjoys include Butter Pecan and Rainbow Sherbet. Kourtney Kardashian Barker organizes an elaborate camp experience called Camp Poosh. At a Camp Poosh event, Thrifty ice cream was available.
Significance of Rite Aid Bankruptcy Restructuring
Pharmacy chains are currently facing financial difficulties. The pharmacy chain Rite Aid has been going through bankruptcy deliberations. The company made a statement to the KTLA news organization. Rite Aid stated that “the only viable path forward… is to… commence Chapter 11 proceedings.” Chapter 11 is one type of bankruptcy a company can file for.
LendingTree explains: “Chapter 11 bankruptcy lets companies… stay in business while reorganizing their finances.” Rite Aid is in the process of closing many locations as part of financial restructuring. Thrifty ice cream chain branches within Rite Aid locations close when the Rite Aids close. Five hundred Thrifty locations in Rite Aid pharmacies are set to be dismantled. Time Out, though, presents a potential hopeful scenario for the Thrifty ice cream chain. Time Out states that Thrifty “could be purchased along with Rite Aid assets and… revived.”
