Many consumers who visited Rite Aid for prescriptions or essentials loved stopping by the Thrifty Ice Cream counter. This famous ice cream, known for its unique cube-shaped scoops, has been a popular treat since it was first made in 1940 by Thrifty Drug Store in Southern California. When Rite Aid bought Thrifty Drug Stores in 1996, it continued selling the ice cream in its stores.
Right now, about 500 Rite Aid pharmacies still have Thrifty Ice Cream counters inside. But because of Rite Aid’s ongoing bankruptcy troubles, those counters are expected to close for good soon. According to reports, these counters cannot be sold separately to new store owners because they are controlled by Rite Aid. That means any new retailer buying Rite Aid’s locations won’t be able to keep the ice cream counters.
Some Thrifty Ice Cream Counters Will Stay Open
Not all Thrifty Ice Cream counters belong to Rite Aid. Some are franchise-owned and will remain open in several states. Customers can still find Thrifty Ice Cream in packaged tubs in the freezer sections of stores like Rite Aid, Albertsons, and Vons. The ice cream is also available at scoop counters in California, Arizona, and other parts of the US and Mexico.
The future of Thrifty Ice Cream is uncertain. The brand is being sold as part of Rite Aid’s bankruptcy. Whoever buys it could decide to keep selling the packaged ice cream or open new counters, or they might change the brand completely.
Rite Aid’s Struggles Continue
Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy in October 2023 after building up about $8.6 billion in debt. The company managed to reduce its debt to around $2 billion by September 2024 but had to close over 800 stores. Despite these efforts, Rite Aid still faces tough competition from bigger rivals like CVS and Walgreens.
Now, Rite Aid is planning to restructure again and has started transferring prescription services to CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies. Meanwhile, Walgreens is also closing several stores across the country in 2025.
Rite Aid’s bankruptcy has put the future of the beloved Thrifty Ice Cream counters at risk, with many expected to close permanently. While some franchise locations and packaged ice cream sales will continue, customers may lose a favorite treat inside Rite Aid stores. The company’s ongoing financial challenges show just how tough the retail pharmacy market has become.