"Rite Aid declared bankruptcy and closed most stores, removing most of Thrifty's full-service ice cream counters. For decades, Rite Aid and Thrifty counters were where most Angelenos found a scoop (or three) of classics like rainbow sherbet, rocky road, and butter pecan. During the liquidation proceedings, hundreds of jobs were lost, along with access to numerous pharmacies across the region. Many Californians wondered if these events marked the end of the brand, as well as whether a carton bought at a grocery store could match the experience of enjoying a cylindrical scoop of Chocolate Malted Krunch on a cone."
"In June 2025, Thrifty found a new owner with Hilrod Holdings, the same company that owns Monster Energy, which won a $19.2 million bid for Thrifty Ice Cream. In March of this year, Thrifty chief executive officer Dani Rothenberg told Eater that he'll keep the El Monte plant open and the original recipes intact. Rothenberg's team also developed a store locator to find independent locations to secure a scoop, pint, or gallon throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona."
"On May 11, Costco locations throughout Southern California began carrying individually sized 3.6-ounce cups of Chocolate Malted Krunch by the dozen, with more locations taking the same path. Starting on May 18, Thrifty wi"
Thrifty Ice Cream, a Southern California classic, faced uncertainty in 2025 when Rite Aid bankruptcy led to the closure of most stores and the loss of many full-service ice cream counters. The closures reduced access to popular flavors such as rainbow sherbet, rocky road, and butter pecan, and raised concerns about whether the brand would end. In June 2025, Hilrod Holdings acquired Thrifty Ice Cream after a $19.2 million bid. The El Monte plant remains open and original recipes are kept intact. A store locator was created to help customers find independent locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona. In May 2026, Costco began carrying 3.6-ounce cups of Chocolate Malted Krunch in multi-packs, with additional locations expected to follow.
Read at Eater LA
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