Food and Beverage
The Sweet History of Thrifty Ice Cream: Why It’s Still a West Coast Favorite
Thrifty Ice Cream has been a West Coast favorite since 1929, known for its iconic cylindrical scoops, budget-friendly prices, and nostalgic flavors like Chocolate Malted Krunch. From its beginnings in Los Angeles drugstores to Rite Aid counters and now grocery shelves, Thrifty remains a sweet tradition nearly a century later. 🍦
Last Updated on August 31, 2025 by Daily News Staff
For many West Coasters, the mere mention of Thrifty Ice Cream stirs up sweet memories—soda fountain counters, colorful scoops, and that oh-so-satisfying cylindrical shape. But Thrifty isn’t just nostalgia in a cone; it’s a brand with a rich history, consistent quality, and a surprisingly resilient future. Let’s dig into why this creamy California icon has been loved for nearly a century—and where you can still find it today.
A Brief History of Thrifty Ice Cream
The story begins in 1929, when brothers Harry and Robert Borun, along with their brother-in-law Norman Levin, founded Thrifty Drug Stores in Los Angeles. Times were tough during the Depression, so they lured customers in with a sweet deal: scoops of ice cream for just 5 cents. It was an instant hit.
By 1940, Thrifty was making its own ice cream in Hollywood. The brand quickly became famous for offering affordable, high-quality scoops that families could count on. As the drugstore chain expanded across California, Nevada, and Arizona, the ice cream counters grew right along with it.
In 1976, production moved to a bigger facility in El Monte, California—where ice cream is still churned out today. Employees there became part of the tradition, often staying for decades and even hand-signing cartons with their names.
When Rite Aid acquired Thrifty in 1996, they wisely kept the ice cream counters intact, ensuring that generations could still grab a scoop while running errands.
Why Thrifty Became So Popular
So what’s behind Thrifty’s enduring charm?
Affordability – From 5¢ scoops to today’s still-reasonable prices, Thrifty built its reputation as the treat anyone could afford. Consistency & Quality – The recipes have stood the test of time, with real milk, fruits, cookies, and chocolate. Thrifty has racked up 1,600+ medals at dairy competitions. That Famous Cylindrical Scoop – The flat-topped, cylinder-shaped scoop is as iconic as the ice cream itself. It’s neat, stackable, and instantly recognizable. (Yes, you can buy the scoop today!) Flavor Variety – From timeless classics like Mint Chip and Chocolate Malted Krunch to playful experiments like Sriracha Swirl, Thrifty knows how to keep things interesting. Nostalgia Factor – For Californians especially, it’s more than dessert—it’s a memory of childhood, family trips, and after-school indulgences. Convenience – Where else could you pick up prescriptions and grab a double scoop of Circus Animal Cookie ice cream?
The Challenges (and the Comeback)
Thrifty’s story hasn’t been all sprinkles and whipped cream. With Rite Aid’s bankruptcy filings and the closure of hundreds of its stores, many scoop counters disappeared in recent years. Fans began to worry: was this the end of Thrifty Ice Cream?
Fortunately, there’s good news. In mid-2025, Hilrod Holdings—run by the executives behind Monster Beverage—purchased Thrifty for about $19 million. Their goal? Preserve its heritage while expanding into new retail spaces, scoop shops, and maybe even wider national distribution. The scoop lives on!
Where You Can Still Find Thrifty Ice Cream
Even with Rite Aid closures, you can still get your hands on this West Coast treasure:
Rite Aid Counters – Some locations still scoop it up, though they’re dwindling. Pre-Packaged in Grocers – Look for cartons or pints at Albertsons, Vons, Safeway, and select Rite Aids. Water n Ice Stores (Arizona) – In Tempe and across Phoenix, these shops are local go-tos for scoops and cartons of Thrifty. Independent Outlets – Some franchise scoop shops, even in Mexico, still carry it. Online & At Home – Buy a pint through Instacart or grab the iconic cylindrical scooper online and recreate the magic in your own kitchen. New Scoop Shops – Tucson, AZ is getting a Thrifty Ice Cream pop-up at the Tucson Mall in late 2025—a hopeful sign of more to come.
Final Scoop
Thrifty Ice Cream isn’t just dessert—it’s history, affordability, quality, and nostalgia all rolled into one. From its 5-cent beginnings during the Depression to its modern revival, it has remained a beloved part of West Coast culture.
Whether you’re chasing down Chocolate Malted Krunch, stacking up scoops of Rainbow Sherbet, or finally buying that famous cylindrical scooper, one thing’s for sure: Thrifty Ice Cream proves that the sweetest things in life really can last forever.
👉 Have you tried Thrifty lately? What’s your all-time favorite flavor? Share your memories in the comments—we’d love to hear your scoop!
Related Links for Thrifty Ice Cream Content
Official Thrifty Ice Cream Website – About, flavors, and FAQs
Thrifty Ice Cream on Rite Aid – Product info and store locator
History of Thrifty Drug Stores (Wikipedia) – Corporate history and acquisition
Article: Thrifty Ice Cream’s Nostalgic Appeal – Overview of flavors and cultural impact
https://alumninews.ie.edu/thrifty-ice-cream-a-nostalgic-scoop-of-american-history
Recent News: Thrifty Ice Cream Acquisition – Hilrod Holdings buys the brand in 2025
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/new-owners-expand-california-ice-cream-20816693.php
Where to Buy Thrifty Ice Cream in Arizona – Local scoop shops and grocery availability
https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/comments/17k6a8d/water_and_ice_stores_have_thrifty_ice_cream
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