Few desserts carry as much nostalgia, joy, and global recognition as ice cream. Across generations, it has been the universal symbol of comfort, summer afternoons, and childhood indulgence. But while ice cream is a timeless treat, the industry that serves it is constantly evolving—sometimes sweetly, sometimes with a bitter aftertaste.
In recent months, headlines have been dominated by the news that bankruptcy forces ice cream chain to close 500 locations. This development sparked conversations not only about the future of beloved brands but also about the history of ice cream, its inventors, and the companies that dominate the global stage.
At the same time, new trends such as markiseteppe—a Scandinavian-inspired dessert experience blending culture, craft, and creativity—have brought fresh life to a sector that has always balanced tradition with innovation.
This article explores the sweeping journey of ice cream, from its mysterious origins to the crisis forcing major closures today, and finally toward the innovations and ideas—like markiseteppe—that may reshape its future.
The Shockwave: Bankruptcy Forces Ice Cream Chain to Close 500 Locations
In May 2025, the American retail pharmacy giant Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in as many years. Alongside pharmacy closures came an announcement that shook West Coast nostalgia: Thrifty Ice Cream scoop counters, long beloved for their square scoops, would shutter about 500 in-store locations.
For many, Thrifty was more than just a brand. It was a cultural touchstone, dating back to the 1940s when it first began selling its uniquely shaped scoops in Southern California. The announcement left fans mourning not only the loss of convenience but also a piece of their history.
However, it wasn’t the end of the story. Thrifty’s brand, factory, and recipes were purchased by Hilrod Holdings, a group promising to revive and expand the brand independently of Rite Aid. The closures remain a reminder of how vulnerable even iconic names can be when broader corporate structures crumble.
What Ice Cream Chain Is Closing 500 Locations?
The answer is simple: Thrifty Ice Cream scoop counters, tied directly to Rite Aid stores. Unlike independent chains with standalone shops, Thrifty relied heavily on its parent company’s retail footprint. When Rite Aid struggled under mounting debts, lawsuits, and declining foot traffic, the ice cream counters became collateral damage.
The packaged tubs, however, remain safe—sold in select grocery stores and through distributors. Fans can still savor the famous Chocolate Malted Krunch or Circus Animal Cookie flavors, even if the scoop counters have gone dark.
This event underlines how business models tied too closely to a struggling parent company can collapse regardless of consumer love or product quality.
Who Invented Ice Cream? A Journey Back in Time
Ice cream, like many culinary marvels, doesn’t have a single inventor. Its roots stretch across centuries and continents:
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Ancient Persia & China: As early as 500 BCE, Persian nobility enjoyed chilled desserts made from snow mixed with grape juice, while early Chinese dynasties experimented with frozen milk and rice mixtures.
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Medieval Europe: By the 16th century, Italian and French courts had perfected milk- and cream-based frozen confections. Catherine de Medici is often credited with bringing early ice cream recipes from Italy to France.
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The American Story: In 1851, Jacob Fussell, a Baltimore milk dealer, opened the first commercial ice cream factory in Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania. Fussell is widely regarded as the “father of the American ice cream industry,” transforming what was once a luxury into a mass-market delight.
Thus, while no single person can be crowned the sole inventor, ice cream is a true global heritage—born of creativity, climate, and culture.
Who Is the World’s Largest Ice Cream Company?
In 2025, the title belongs to Unilever’s ice cream division, soon to be spun off into a stand-alone entity called The Magnum Ice Cream Company.
Unilever’s brands include Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s, Cornetto, and Breyers, among others. Together, these make Unilever the world’s dominant player with an estimated 20% global market share and annual revenues exceeding €8 billion.
The spin-off reflects broader industry trends: conglomerates seeking to streamline portfolios and unlock shareholder value by allowing specialized divisions to operate independently. For ice cream lovers, it means their favorite brands are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
The Rise of Markiseteppe: Tradition Meets Innovation
So where does markiseteppe fit into this story?
Markiseteppe is a Scandinavian-inspired dessert art, combining layers of biscuit-like textures, whipped creams, and frozen fruit blends. It reflects the Nordic penchant for balancing simplicity with indulgence. Unlike mass-market ice cream chains, markiseteppe is rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and locality.
In many ways, markiseteppe represents the future of desserts:
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Sustainability: Using locally sourced fruits and dairy.
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Cultural storytelling: Emphasizing heritage and community identity.
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Slow indulgence: Focusing on artisanal, small-batch preparation rather than fast, mass-market scale.
While the closures of Thrifty highlight the fragility of corporate-linked dessert businesses, the rise of markiseteppe signals how smaller, creative models can thrive by offering unique experiences.
Lessons from the Ice Cream Industry’s Ups and Downs
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Diversification Matters
Tying an ice cream brand too closely to a single retailer—like Rite Aid—can spell disaster. Independent distribution channels ensure resilience. -
History Shows Reinvention
From ancient Persia to Jacob Fussell, ice cream has always been reinvented. The closure of 500 locations doesn’t end the story—it merely opens a new chapter. -
Global Giants Still Rule
Even amid closures, giants like Unilever dominate. But they, too, are adapting, spinning off divisions and chasing sustainability. -
Innovation Lives at the Edges
The rise of desserts like markiseteppe proves that small, artisanal movements can inspire larger industry shifts. Consumers today crave authenticity as much as flavor.
Conclusion: A Sweet Future Ahead
The headline bankruptcy forces ice cream chain to close 500 locations may sound grim, but ice cream as a cultural and culinary phenomenon remains unstoppable. While Thrifty scoop counters fade, the packaged brand lives on, and new owners promise a revival. Meanwhile, global players like Unilever secure the future at scale, and innovative creations like markiseteppe remind us that desserts are as much about artistry as commerce.
For dessert lovers and entrepreneurs alike, the lesson is clear: the ice cream industry will always face challenges, but with creativity, history, and community spirit, it will continue to surprise and delight.
And if you’d like to explore more cultural insights, stories, and in-depth looks at trends like this one, be sure to visit my blog Blog Loom—where stories are woven into the fabric of everyday life.
