Thrifty Ice Cream has maintained its place in Southern California food culture since its founding in 1940. The brand faced uncertainty last summer when Rite Aid revealed plans to close all its stores, prompting public concern over the future of its products.
An investment group linked to executives at Monster Beverage Corporation acquired the company for $19 million. The new owners have shifted distribution to supermarkets and a limited number of scoop shops, according to LAist.
Production takes place at a facility in El Monte that opened in the 1970s after the original Hollywood site closed. The plant employs nearly 100 people and reaches a maximum output of 75,000 gallons per day.
Quality assurance manager Tim Briggs, who joined the company in the 1980s, oversees operations that cycle through 64 flavors depending on monthly demand. The factory runs multiple conveyor lines to mix ingredients in large vats.
Rocky Road is produced last in each cycle because the marshmallows contain animal-derived gelatin, making the flavor non-kosher. Full cleaning of equipment occurs before the next run begins.
The brand has added placements on Shakey's Pizza Parlor menus as part of its expansion. Tours of the El Monte site allow visitors to observe mixing processes and sample items such as Chocolate Malted Krunch.
LAist reporting notes that the continued operation of the plant preserves a regional manufacturing tradition that has supplied ice cream across multiple generations.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/food/inside-thrifty-ice-cream-factory