Popular ice cream chain to close 500 stores in US

Thrifty Ice Cream to Close 500+ Locations Across U.S. as Rite Aid Files for Bankruptcy

Washington, D.C. —
In a major blow to nostalgic ice cream lovers, Thrifty Ice Cream is set to shutter more than 500 locations across the United States as part of Rite Aid’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The closures will primarily impact in-store scoop counters located inside Rite Aid pharmacies.

The news comes after Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early May. As the company moves to reduce its debt burden and liquidate assets, the hand-scooped Thrifty Ice Cream counters have become collateral damage in the restructuring.

End of an Era for West Coast Shoppers

Thrifty Ice Cream, founded in Los Angeles in 1940, quickly became a beloved American brand, especially on the West Coast. Its signature cylindrical scoops and affordable pricing earned it cult status in the 1970s, even winning several awards at the L.A. County Fair.

In 1996, Rite Aid acquired the ice cream company and integrated its scoop counters into hundreds of its pharmacies. Since then, Thrifty Ice Cream has been a familiar fixture for generations of shoppers.

    "The closure of over 500 scoop counters marks a significant setback for the brand," reports The Street.

Future Uncertain, Hope for a Buyer

While standalone Thrifty Ice Cream shops and select grocery retailers will continue selling the brand, the mass closure raises concerns about its long-term viability. The El Monte, California manufacturing facility is also up for sale, as Rite Aid looks to offload non-core assets during bankruptcy restructuring.

A potential buyer could preserve the brand’s legacy by continuing production and distribution through new retail partnerships. However, no official buyer has emerged as of yet.
📉 Rite Aid's Retail Collapse

Rite Aid, which once operated over 1,200 stores nationwide, is facing its second bankruptcy within a year. This latest filing will result in hundreds of pharmacy closures and the liquidation of key assets, including the Thrifty Ice Cream brand.

The impact is felt not just by consumers, but also by employees and local communities who considered the scoop counters a nostalgic part of their neighborhood shopping experience.