The sweet nostalgia of walking into a Rite Aid and grabbing a scoop of Thrifty Ice Cream is coming to an end for many Americans. In a bittersweet update, around 500 Thrifty Ice Cream counters inside Rite Aid stores are being shuttered as the pharmacy chain navigates through bankruptcy proceedings.

The move comes in the wake of Rite Aid’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in early May, an unfortunate but perhaps inevitable development after years of financial instability. According to The Street, the closures aren’t just selective – they’re default. With Rite Aid closing or selling off assets as part of its bankruptcy roadmap, Thrifty’s beloved hand-scooped counters are a casualty of the process.

While Thrifty Ice Cream will continue to be available in independent shops and select retail partners, this development marks a major setback for a brand that has been deeply embedded in California culture for generations. The brand’s signature square scoops and low prices turned it into an iconic fixture in American retail history, especially for those who grew up with the chain.

Back in 2018, there was almost an escape route for the brand. Rite Aid nearly sold itself, along with Thrifty, to Albertsons in a multi-billion-dollar deal. But the plan ultimately collapsed, and Rite Aid has since spent years closing stores, slashing debt, and facing off against mounting legal battles. After its initial Chapter 11 filing in October 2023 helped it cut $2 billion in debt and settle with several creditors, this second bankruptcy blow has left deeper scars – including the shuttering of beloved in-store experiences like Thrifty.

Rite Aid’s CEO Matt Schroeder addressed the ongoing fallout earlier this month, saying, “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. As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible.”

But beyond the business-speak, the closures hit a different kind of nerve. Thrifty wasn’t just a retail offering – it was part of people’s everyday lives. A post by Evan Lovett, host of L.A. in a Minute, summed up the sentiment best: “If history is any guide, Thrifty Ice Cream is going to be scooping up smiles for years to come, just maybe not at your local Rite Aid.”

For many Californians and long-time fans, that statement rings true. Thrifty Ice Cream’s manufacturing plant in El Monte, California, is still in operation. It’s a place rooted in tradition, where many of the employees have been working for over 30 years, crafting every hand-scooped carton with pride and a personal touch.

The company isn’t giving up on flavor or fun either. They continue to taste-test hundreds of new flavors annually. From adventurous mixes like Sriracha Swirl to indulgent surprises like Bacon & Cheddar, the brand remains committed to creativity and quality. That devotion might be what keeps the heart of Thrifty beating, even as it’s squeezed out of the place many people first discovered it.

Still, the bigger picture looms. The closure of so many Rite Aid locations across the country means more than the disappearance of an ice cream counter. It impacts access to pharmacy services, disrupts communities, and leaves thousands of employees wondering what comes next. The ripple effects go far beyond the freezer aisle.

As Thrifty Ice Cream pivots into its next chapter, it will have to rely on its independent distribution, loyal fan base, and a dose of nostalgia to survive. For fans, it’s one scoop less in their routine, but hopefully not the end of the cone.