Classic Thrifty ice cream stands, once a cherished part of daily life, diminish as Rite Aid stores shut down.
Going Down the Scoop: The Futures of Thrifty Ice Cream
Growing up in Southern California, Thrifty ice cream was always a beloved treat. With its affordable pricing and range of flavors, it was the sweet spot between luxury and economy for my working-class family and many others.
Thrifty was the place where I first fell for Rocky Road, a scoop bursting with a combination of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows that left me marveling at how conflicting flavors and textures could ever harmonize.
Today, however, it seems that the era of enjoying Thrifty ice cream at the counters across SoCal is reaching its end. Rite Aid, Thrifty's parent company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with plans to close over 20 locations in California[1].
But fear not, ice cream fanatics! Jessica Harris, our resident food columnist, headed to one of the El Segundo Rite Aid stores to investigate what comes next for this iconic dessert[2].
Thrifty's Los Angeles Roots
The story of Thrifty began in 1929 when brothers Harry and Robert Borun, along with their brother-in-law Norman Levin, opened up the first Thrifty drugstore in downtown Los Angeles[3]. At first, they sold ice cream from various suppliers. However, as demand for the product skyrocketed, they started producing it themselves. The brothers opened their first Thrifty ice cream production plant in Hollywood in 1940 before moving to a 55,000-square-foot facility in El Monte in 1976[4].
The Cone of the Matter: Rite Aid's Future and Thrifty Ice Cream
As part of the bankruptcy process, it is likely that Thrifty Ice Cream, along with Rite Aid's other assets, will be sold[1]. In fact, there was almost a deal in 2018 when Albertsons Cos. attempted to acquire Rite Aid, but the transaction never went through[2].
Rite Aid has not provided any additional information on the future of Thrifty ice cream, much to Harris' disappointment when she reached out to them[2].
So Long, Scoop-Shop; Hello, Local Hangout?
There is a possibility that local establishments, such as Ball Park Pizza in San Clemente, may keep serving Thrifty ice cream on their menus[2]. You can even buy Thrifty's signature cylindrical ice cream scooper online and create your own scoops at home, although it might not quite replicate the counter experience that is soon to be lost[2].
Harris even took it upon herself to conduct a taste test, comparing the pre-packaged ice cream from the freezer section to the counter scoop at two different Rite Aid locations. While the pre-packaged ice cream was lighter and airier, the counter scoop, she found, had a thicker consistency, richer taste, and crunchier malt balls[2].
Don't Miss Out - One Last Scoop Could Be a Trip Down Memory Lane
While Thrifty may continue to produce ice cream in tubs, the iconic counter scoop is on its way out at Rite Aids, making it a must-visit treat before it disappears for good. So grab your wallets and gear up for a to-die-for scoop of Rocky Road. For Harris' full breakdown of Thrifty's ice cream and the counter experience, be sure to check out her article on our website[2].
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- Ranchers calling for relief as three more wolf packs are confirmed in California[5]
Sources:
[1] Yun, T. (2023, March 22). Rite Aid files for bankruptcy, announces plan to sell stores and close over 20 locations in California. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-03-22/rite-aid-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-closes-stores-california
[2] Harris, J. (2023, March 28). Thrifty Ice Cream may be gone from Rite Aid's counters but the future remains uncertain. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2023-03-28/the-week-thrifty-ice-cream-may-be-gone-from-rite-aids-counters-but-the-future-remains-uncertain
[3] Bolton, S. (2008, March 30). Cheap thrills: How a humble Frosty Treat led to the founding of a major drugstore chain. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2008-mar-30-fi-thrifty-drugstore-100-story.html
[4] Barron, E. F., Balanoff, N. R., Molina, L. T., & Andondon, G. F. (2016). The history of the ice cream industry in Southern California. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 6(1), 48-69. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=afscd
[5] Disick, L. (2023, March 28). Three more wolf packs confirmed in California as ranchers call for relief. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-28/three-more-wolf-packs-confirmed-in-california-as-ranchers-call-for-relief
- The original Thrifty drugstore opened in downtown Los Angeles, marking the beginning of Thrifty's roots in the city.
- Thrifty started off by selling ice cream from various suppliers, but as demand grew, they began producing it themselves.
- In 1940, Thrifty opened its first ice cream production plant in Hollywood, and later moved to a larger facility in El Monte in 1976.
- Rite Aid, Thrifty's parent company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, potentially leading to the closure of over 20 locations in California.
- Local establishments like Ball Park Pizza in San Clemente might continue serving Thrifty ice cream on their menus.
- The California governor is proposing an 'asset test' for low-income and disabled Medi-Cal applicants.
- Lawmakers are urging the governor and the state waste agency to carry out plastic legislation.
- Over 6,000 California prisoners have tested positive for opioids, prompting a thorough review.
- The ongoing dispute between residents and Waymo over driverless taxis in Santa Monica is still ongoing.
- Ranchers in California are calling for relief as three more wolf packs are confirmed in the state.
