After Rite Aid’s announcement in early May to close hundreds of its stores following a bankruptcy filing, fans of Thrifty Ice Cream have begun to express their anxiety over the treat’s availability.
Although Thrifty Ice Cream can be found in other locations, they are not as widespread, leading enthusiasts to worry about the beloved dessert’s fate.
Members of a Reddit subgroup dedicated to Zillennials—a generation born between the late 1990s and early 2000s—are particularly vocal about their concerns.
“Wait… You mean to tell me that the greatest ice cream in existence could be gone soon?” one fan lamented in the online community.
Thrifty Ice Cream began its journey in 1940 in a small factory located in West Hollywood, California.
Originally, the ice cream was sold by the cone at a counter in the flagship Thrifty Drug Store in downtown Los Angeles.
Later, shoppers were able to purchase the ice cream in cartons, bringing this West Coast favorite into their homes.
By the 1970s, Thrifty Ice Cream had secured a reputation, attaining “cult status” on the West Coast, as mentioned on its website, where it has received endorsements from celebrities.
In 1996, Rite Aid acquired Thrifty Ice Cream, and some of its stores maintained the tradition of serving the ice cream in cones at their ice cream counters.
However, with Rite Aid’s recent financial struggles, Thrifty Ice Cream is now set to be auctioned off on June 20 as part of bankruptcy proceedings.
This raises questions about the brand’s future.
TODAY.com has reached out to both Thrifty Ice Cream and Rite Aid for comment, but has not received a response as of yet.
As of May 30, the official Thrifty website indicates their ice cream is available at various retailers, including Rite Aid, Albertsons, and Vons.
The website also mentions that the ice cream can be found at scoop counters throughout California and Arizona, as well as in some areas in the U.S. and Mexico.
In a concerning sign, however, the website now features a link to a defunct store locator that once helped customers find locations where Thrifty Ice Cream was sold.
This has not deterred fans, who continue to collaborate and offer each other support during this uncertain time.
“If we work some Zillennial magic, we can save the ice cream,” one hopeful poster suggested.
Others are reminiscing about their favorite flavors while expressing their dismay.
“Thrifty has hands down the BEST ice cream and has always stayed affordable!” one fan exclaimed.
They highlighted the ice cream’s unique offerings, like the pistachio with an abundance of real pistachios and the much-loved malted crunch.
“WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO???” another exclaimed in despair, asking the question lingering in the hearts of many.
Nostalgia is evident as some fans share stories of how they unexpectedly found Thrifty Ice Cream at a gas station after their local Rite Aid had closed, calling it a ‘miracle.’
As the date of the auction approaches, Thrifty Ice Cream lovers remain hopeful that their cherished treat will endure some way or another.
image source from：https://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/future-of-thrifty-ice-cream-uncertain-amid-rite-aid-closures/3713121/?os=qtftbmru&ref=app
