If you grew up on the West Coast with a perfectly cylindrical scoop of Thrifty Ice Cream in your hand, get ready — your favorite nostalgic treat is making a major comeback. And this time, it’s not just sticking around… It’s planning to spread across the country.
The brand, once part of Rite Aid’s empire, was rescued from the melting mess of the drugstore’s bankruptcy by Hilrod Holdings. And these new owners? They’re connected to none other than Monster Energy’s top brass — so they know a thing or two about taking a brand and turning it into a nationwide powerhouse.
From the brink of melting away
On June 26, court documents revealed that Hilrod Holdings was the winning bidder for Thrifty Ice Cream, snagging it for $19.2 million. By July 1, a federal bankruptcy judge in New Jersey gave the deal the green light.
If you’re wondering who Hilrod Holdings is, here’s the scoop: the company is tied to Monster Beverage Corporation executives Hilton Schlosberg and Rodney Sacks. Sacks stepped down as co-CEO earlier this year before retiring, while Schlosberg stayed on as CEO. Together, they’ve got decades of experience in growing big brands — and now, they’ve set their sights on giving Thrifty a fresh future.
“Don’t worry — We’re keeping the good stuff”
In an August 7 press release, Hilrod promised something all Thrifty fans wanted to hear: the ice cream’s original recipes aren’t going anywhere. That classic, creamy taste you’ve loved for over 85 years? It’s safe.
The statement read:
“We plan to revitalize Thrifty without altering the core of what made it unforgettable for over 85 years.”
In other words, they’re keeping the flavor magic but adding some extra sprinkles. Think new flavors, new packaging, and a wider reach — all while keeping what makes Thrifty special.
Big plans: From local favorite to national star
Right now, Thrifty Ice Cream is mostly a West Coast treasure. But the new owners want to change that. The plan is to keep it on the shelves of current retailers, then start expanding distribution starting in the fall.
That means if you live in the Midwest, East Coast, or anywhere that’s never had the joy of eating ice cream scooped into those perfect cylinders, your chance might be coming soon.
And yes, they’re not just talking about putting it in more stores. Hilrod will also be investing in manufacturing and logistics — the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes sure your favorite flavor isn’t sold out when you’re craving it.
New flavors? New look? Yes, please.
While the press release didn’t give an exact date, Thrifty fans can expect some new flavors and updated packaging. But don’t worry — the company says the heart of the ice cream will remain the same.
This isn’t about turning Thrifty into something unrecognizable. It’s about polishing it up so it can stand proudly next to the other big national ice cream brands while still carrying its West Coast charm.
A brand that started behind a pharmacy counter
For those who don’t know the backstory, Thrifty Ice Cream has a history as sweet as its scoops.
It started when Thrifty Drug Store owners Harry and Robert Borun and Norman Levin decided to make their own ice cream to sell at their chain’s soda fountains. Back then, a scoop was just five cents — and customers loved it.
By the 1970s, Thrifty had reached “cult status” on the West Coast. People raved about it, celebrities gave it shoutouts, and the brand became an inseparable part of California nostalgia.
Why this comeback matters
In recent years, fans worried Thrifty might melt into history as Rite Aid struggled financially. When the bankruptcy news hit, many thought the beloved ice cream brand would disappear for good.
But Hilrod’s purchase has given it a second life. This isn’t just a business move — it’s a revival of a piece of Americana. A treat that has been part of childhood memories for generations is about to find new fans across the country.
“One scoop at a time”
The press release closed with a line that feels more like a promise than a tagline:
“What began as a pharmacy counter staple has become a cornerstone of West Coast nostalgia. Now, it’s positioned to become a modern-day legacy; one scoop at a time.”
It’s hard not to picture the future: kids in New York, Texas, and Florida walking out of grocery stores with their first taste of Thrifty, while longtime fans on the West Coast smile and think, “Finally, everyone else gets it.”
So, what’s next?
This fall, keep an eye out for those familiar tubs in your local store. If you already have Thrifty nearby, enjoy your scoops now — and maybe get ready to try a new flavor or two soon.
And if you’ve never had Thrifty? Well, soon you might understand why people have been so protective of this brand for decades.
Because for Thrifty fans, this isn’t just ice cream. It’s nostalgia. It’s tradition. It’s that unique cylindrical scoop that no other brand has.
The sweet bottom line
Thrifty Ice Cream’s rescue from Rite Aid’s bankruptcy isn’t just good news for ice cream lovers — it’s a win for anyone who loves seeing a beloved brand make a big comeback.
With Monster Energy’s former executives leading the charge, the plan is clear: protect the flavors we know, add some exciting new ones, and take Thrifty from a West Coast gem to a national favorite.
One thing’s for sure — the future looks sweet. And in the words of Thrifty fans everywhere… make mine a double scoop.
Read this much later:
Beloved teen fashion accessories shop files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Good news for McDonaldland lovers: fast food giant revives brand after a 20-year hiatus
