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Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Our town's Rite Aid went away and we're a little poorer for it
It's where you'd go to grab a last-minute birthday card. Or buy your tweezers, vitamins or a cheap and tasty ice cream cone. When your kid had a school project, you could count on finding a poster board and coloring pens. Now our local Rite Aid in South Pasadena, like many across California, is gone. And most people in our town say they're a little sad about it. It's not the death of just one store, but another marker on what seems like the slow, inexorable demise of retail. The local mall remains open but stands in an eerie quiet, even on weekends. The only department store nearby seems to have less on its shelves every month. None of us want to live in an Amazon-only world. But it feels like we're headed in that direction. Do we really have to order our razor blades from one of those bro-ish mail-order 'shaving clubs?' In the spirit of keeping neighborhood-friendly commerce alive, Essential California is asking for your nominations: What's the beloved local shop or store your town can't live without? It could be a chain store, but more likely its locally owned and unique. What makes it so special? Email EssentialCalifornia@ and we may write about your favorites. Meanwhile, what's happening to Rite Aid? The company once operated 5,000 stores nationally, before paring back to about 2,100 in 2023, the same year it declared bankruptcy. The firm cited a crushing debt load and high rents for underperforming stores. Rite Aid announced another round of store closures that same year, shuttering 31 locations in California. In Los Angeles County, stores in Glassell Park, Mar Vista, Alhambra, Burbank, and Long Beach's Bixby Knolls shut down. Orange County lost half a dozen stores — including ones in Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Santa Ana and Yorba Linda. Over the last year, it was hard to miss the signs that the South Pasadena store was on its way out. The most basic items went out of stock. Shelves slowly emptied. On the last day of July a text to loyal patrons made it final: 'Rite Aid at 914 Fair Oaks Ave. has closed.' The boxy brick building, sunk below street level, was hardly an architectural gem. A couple of people focused on its sad final months and said 'good riddance.' But dozens of others answered my social media query to talk about what they'd miss about the store, which now stands empty. The ice cream — which dated to Rite Aid's predecessor, Thrifty — got heaps of love. People lived for the Black Cherry, or Coconut Pineapple or Chocolate Malted Krunch. They liked the low prices, with one local recalling a time when a cone went for just 25 cents. Angie Walker took her kids for flu vaccines, knowing she could soften the blow with an ice cream cone 'immediately afterwards.' Fans particularly liked the short guy who always hustled to the counter, working as if scooping that next cone really meant something. 'I will mostly miss the awesome ice cream clerk,' said Kari Afschar. 'He was there for as long as I can remember.' Many people recalled that the pharmacists would actually pick up the phone and answer questions, unlike other chains that shunted you into voicemail-hell. They talked about how many employees remembered your name and your needs. Becky Rios called one pharmacist 'an absolute gem.' In a pinch for one last stocking-stuffer for my wife one Christmas a few years ago, I rushed out and found a pair of plush winter gloves. They were fuzzy and purple. Alison wondered where I found such a treasure. 'At the House of Incredibly Nice Gloves,' I said. I later conceded they'd come from Rite Aid, and she still loved them. It may have been just a chain store. But it was our chain store. Today's great photo is from Times contributor Catherine Dzilenski, who captured a local band, Left on Cypress, performing at Glendora Continental. The Basque-owned restaurant is one of the last of its kind left in California, but its 45-year history may be coming to an end soon. Jim Rainey, staff reporterDiamy Wang, homepage internIzzy Nunes, audience internKevinisha Walker, multiplatform editorAndrew Campa, Sunday writerKarim Doumar, head of newsletters How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@ Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on
San Francisco Chronicle
23-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Thrifty ice cream faces uncertain future as Rite Aid closes 500 stores
Thrifty ice cream, a beloved West Coast brand for nearly a century, will shutter 500 of its in-store counters as Rite Aid moves forward with restructuring under bankruptcy protection. The closures are part of the pharmacy chain's broader efforts to cut costs and sell off assets after filing for Chapter 11 this month. Since acquiring Thrifty Drug Stores in 1996, Rite Aid has served the brand's signature cylindrical, flat-topped scoops at counters in many of its 1,200 stores. Rite Aid plans to close more than 20 stores in California and auction off its intellectual property, including the Thrifty ice cream brand and its longtime factory in El Monte (Los Angeles County), which has been in operation since 1976. The factory replaced Thrifty's original Hollywood plant, which opened the same year the brand debuted in 1940. While Thrifty counters will soon disappear, prepackaged Thrifty ice cream will continue to be sold at stand-alone locations and major retailers nationwide. But as Los Angeles Times columnist Jenn Harris playfully points out, 'It is a scientific fact that your ice cream cone will taste at least 38% better if it's eaten while perusing the As Seen on TV aisle of your local Rite Aid.' Known for offbeat flavors such as Chocolate Malted Krunch, bacon cheddar and a Chuck E. Cheese birthday cake collaboration, Thrifty remains a nostalgic favorite. The brand's future now hinges on Rite Aid's asset sale, with potential buyers required to submit offers by the end of June. 'While we have continued to face financial challenges, intensified by the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes in which we operate, we are encouraged by meaningful interest from a number of potential national and regional strategic acquirors,' Rite Aid CEO Matt Schroeder said in a recent statement.
Los Angeles Times
01-06-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Iconic Thrifty ice cream counters fade into memory with Rite Aid store closures
Like many who grew up in Southern California, Thrifty ice cream was a staple throughout my youth. Sure, McDonald's offered $1 smooth and airy soft serve cones (the machines seemed to work back then!) and Baskin-Robbins was lauded for its 31 flavors. However, Thrifty was the perfect middleman for my working-class family, offering nearly the latter's variety at close to the former's pricing. It's the place I fell in love with Rocky Road, never imagining you could fit so many distinct flavors and textures — chocolate, nuts and marshmallows — into a single sugar cone scoop. The days of enjoying a few scoops at Thrifty's counters, purchased by Rite Aid in 1996, throughout SoCal appear to be ending. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced a slew of store closures, including more than 20 locations in California. Those not closed will probably be sold off by Rite Aid. My colleague, food columnist Jenn Harris, strolled into the El Segundo Rite Aid to investigate what's next for the iconic cold treat. Brothers Harry and Robert Borun and their brother-in-law Norman Levin opened the first Thrifty drugstore in downtown Los Angeles in 1929. At first, they sold ice cream from various suppliers. However, as demand for the product grew, the brothers started producing the ice cream themselves. They opened the first Thrifty ice cream production plant in Hollywood in 1940. The plant relocated to a 55,000-square-foot facility in El Monte in 1976. Thrifty ice cream, like all of Rite Aid's assets, will probably be sold. It nearly happened in 2018, when Albertsons Cos. was set to acquire Rite Aid, and with it, Thrifty ice cream and the El Monte plant. But the deal never happened. Rite Aid did not provide any additional info when Harris reached out to them. There's also the possibility of finding the ice cream at a local restaurant. Ball Park Pizza in San Clemente has been serving Thrifty ice cream since it opened in 2014. And now that Thrifty sells its signature cylindrical ice cream scooper (around $30), you could buy a pint at one of the dozens of retailers who carry the ice cream in the freezer aisle, and scoop your own ice cream at home. Harris staged a taste test. After visiting two Rite Aid locations, she found a store that carried the Chocolate Malted Krunch flavor in both the scoop shop and the freezer section. She purchased a scoop at the counter, then bought a box of Joy cake cones near the register and a 48-ounce carton of the same ice cream and headed to the parking lot. She then used her Thrifty cylindrical scoop to craft her perfect scoop of ice cream and made her own cone. Both were eaten in quick succession. I'll let Harris explain the rest: 'The pre-packaged stuff was airier, like ice cream foam that melted slower on the tongue. The malt balls felt sluggish, their crunch muted by the time spent in the freezer. The flecks of dark chocolate less abundant. 'The cone from the scoop counter tasted both richer and creamier with a thicker consistency. There were crunchier malt balls in each bite. Even outside in the parking lot, beyond the comforts of the As Seen on TV aisle, it was noticeably better.' While Thrifty may continue to produce ice cream in tubs, the counter scoop — apparently the better option — is down to its last licks at Rite Aids. It be worth one last visit soon. For Harris' full breakdown, check out her article. California policies and proposals Fires and recovery Crime, courts and policing Get wrapped up in tantalizing stories about dating, relationships and marriage. Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editorAndrew J. Campa, reporterKarim Doumar, head of newsletters How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@ Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on
Economic Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
85-year-old iconic ice cream chain Thrifty to close 500 stores as it goes bankrupt, fans mourn its cult status
Thrifty Ice Cream, the iconic 85-year-old brand loved by generations, is closing 500 in-store counters as Rite Aid files for bankruptcy. This emotional shift impacts thousands of fans who grew up with the brand's hand-scooped cones inside local Rite Aid stores. Though production continues in California, the walk-up counter experience is vanishing. Thrifty Ice Cream is closing 500 Rite Aid counters amid bankruptcy, ending a nostalgic era for many. Here's why it's happening, what fans are saying, and where you can still enjoy the iconic flavors despite the closures. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is Thrifty Ice Cream closing 500 stores? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Can you still buy Thrifty Ice Cream anywhere? 85-year-old iconic ice cream chain Thrifty to close 500 stores as it goes bankrupt, fans mourn its cult status Why do people care so much about Thrifty Ice Cream? What next for Rite Aid and Thrifty? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The story of Thrifty Ice Cream, an 85-year-old brand cherished across generations, has taken a heartbreaking turn. As part of Rite Aid's ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, 500 Thrifty Ice Cream counters inside Rite Aid stores across the U.S. are shutting down, according to decision comes as Rite Aid, the parent company that owns Thrifty Ice Cream, works to wind down its operations in a major restructuring move. These closures mark a major shift for many fans who grew up visiting their local Rite Aid stores just for a scoop of Thrifty's famously affordable and nostalgic ice closure of 500 Thrifty Ice Cream counters is directly tied to Rite Aid's Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which began in 2023 and escalated into early 2025. Rite Aid is shutting down locations to manage debt, legal liabilities, and losses stemming from lawsuits related to opioid the ice cream brand itself is not bankrupt, the counters operating inside Rite Aid stores are now part of the asset wind-down plan. These counters have long been a familiar sight, especially in states like California, where Thrifty ice cream holds a near-cult move doesn't mean the end of Thrifty altogether—but the in-store counters, where fans once lined up for hand-scooped cones at budget-friendly prices, are vanishing Thrifty Ice Cream is still being produced at its factory in El Monte, California. That facility continues to churn out the signature flavors customers love—like Chocolate Malted Krunch and Butter Pecan—which are sold in pre-packaged cartons at select grocery stores and standalone shops across the West the hand-scooped counter experience—those chrome dipping cabinets, the flat-headed scoops, the $1.99 cones—is what many consider the true spirit of Thrifty. And that's what's going away with these 500 while you can still enjoy the ice cream itself, the classic Rite Aid in-store experience is many Americans, especially on the West Coast, Thrifty Ice Cream isn't just dessert—it's nostalgia in a brand began in 1940, originally part of Thrifty Drug Stores, which was later bought by Rite Aid in 1996. Over the decades, generations of families have made Thrifty Ice Cream part of their daily errands or weekend routines. The iconic cylinder-shaped scoops, low prices, and bold flavors made it a go-to treat for kids and adults media has been filled with reactions from fans mourning the closures. Some shared memories of buying cones after school, while others recalled first dates or family outings that began with a trip to the Thrifty Aid continues to restructure under Chapter 11, and more store closures could follow. As of early 2025, Rite Aid has already closed over 500 stores nationwide, and more are expected as the company tries to stay Thrifty Ice Cream, the production and distribution side still survives—but without its retail counters, the brand loses a big part of what made it no official word yet on whether Thrifty plans to reopen new standalone locations or expand its presence outside of Rite Aid. For now, fans will have to settle for packaged ice cream—and the memories of those chrome counters and scoops that once defined a simple American joy.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
85-year-old iconic ice cream chain Thrifty to close 500 stores as it goes bankrupt, fans mourn its cult status
Thrifty Ice Cream, a beloved American brand for 85 years, is closing 500 store counters as Rite Aid files for bankruptcy: The story of Thrifty Ice Cream, an 85-year-old brand cherished across generations, has taken a heartbreaking turn. As part of Rite Aid's ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, 500 Thrifty Ice Cream counters inside Rite Aid stores across the U.S. are shutting down, according to TheStreet. This decision comes as Rite Aid, the parent company that owns Thrifty Ice Cream, works to wind down its operations in a major restructuring move. These closures mark a major shift for many fans who grew up visiting their local Rite Aid stores just for a scoop of Thrifty's famously affordable and nostalgic ice cream. Why is Thrifty Ice Cream closing 500 stores? The closure of 500 Thrifty Ice Cream counters is directly tied to Rite Aid's Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which began in 2023 and escalated into early 2025. Rite Aid is shutting down locations to manage debt, legal liabilities, and losses stemming from lawsuits related to opioid prescriptions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Malaysia: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo While the ice cream brand itself is not bankrupt, the counters operating inside Rite Aid stores are now part of the asset wind-down plan. These counters have long been a familiar sight, especially in states like California, where Thrifty ice cream holds a near-cult following. Live Events This move doesn't mean the end of Thrifty altogether—but the in-store counters, where fans once lined up for hand-scooped cones at budget-friendly prices, are vanishing fast. Can you still buy Thrifty Ice Cream anywhere? Yes, Thrifty Ice Cream is still being produced at its factory in El Monte, California. That facility continues to churn out the signature flavors customers love—like Chocolate Malted Krunch and Butter Pecan—which are sold in pre-packaged cartons at select grocery stores and standalone shops across the West Coast. 85-year-old iconic ice cream chain Thrifty to close 500 stores as it goes bankrupt, fans mourn its cult status However, the hand-scooped counter experience—those chrome dipping cabinets, the flat-headed scoops, the $1.99 cones—is what many consider the true spirit of Thrifty. And that's what's going away with these 500 closures. So, while you can still enjoy the ice cream itself, the classic Rite Aid in-store experience is disappearing. Why do people care so much about Thrifty Ice Cream? For many Americans, especially on the West Coast, Thrifty Ice Cream isn't just dessert—it's nostalgia in a cone. The brand began in 1940, originally part of Thrifty Drug Stores, which was later bought by Rite Aid in 1996. Over the decades, generations of families have made Thrifty Ice Cream part of their daily errands or weekend routines. The iconic cylinder-shaped scoops, low prices, and bold flavors made it a go-to treat for kids and adults alike. Social media has been filled with reactions from fans mourning the closures. Some shared memories of buying cones after school, while others recalled first dates or family outings that began with a trip to the Thrifty counter. What next for Rite Aid and Thrifty? Rite Aid continues to restructure under Chapter 11, and more store closures could follow. As of early 2025, Rite Aid has already closed over 500 stores nationwide, and more are expected as the company tries to stay afloat. For Thrifty Ice Cream, the production and distribution side still survives—but without its retail counters, the brand loses a big part of what made it special. There's no official word yet on whether Thrifty plans to reopen new standalone locations or expand its presence outside of Rite Aid. For now, fans will have to settle for packaged ice cream—and the memories of those chrome counters and scoops that once defined a simple American joy.
