New Owners of Thrifty Ice Cream Plan to Expand Brand with Modernization and New Flavors.

Hilrod Holdings, tied to Monster Beverage Corporation executives, has acquired Thrifty Ice Cream for $19.2 million. The new owners plan to revitalize the brand without altering its core, expanding distribution and introducing new flavors and packaging. Original recipes will remain intact, and investments will be made in modernizing manufacturing and logistics to ensure quality, availability, and long-term growth.

Los Angeles, July 2, 2025 — Hilrod Holdings, a company tied to executives from Monster Beverage Corporation, has acquired Thrifty Ice Cream for $19.2 million. The acquisition comes following the bankruptcy of Rite Aid and is expected to breathe new life into the iconic ice cream brand.

Hilrod Holdings announced its plans to revitalize Thrifty Ice Cream without altering its core offerings, as stated in an Aug. 7 press release. The company aims to expand distribution and introduce new flavors and packaging options while maintaining the original recipes. The press release also mentioned that the ice cream will remain on the shelves of current retailers with expanded distribution beginning in the fall.

The new ownership group, led by Hilton Schlosberg and Rodney Sacks, has a deep experience in the beverage industry. Schlosberg will continue as CEO, while Sacks resigned as co-CEO ahead of his retirement. The acquisition marks a significant return for a brand that many feared had "melted into history," according to the press release.

Hilrod Holdings plans to invest in modernizing manufacturing and logistics to ensure quality, availability, and long-term growth. This modernization is crucial for Thrifty Ice Cream to remain competitive in the market and meet the growing consumer demand.

Thrifty Ice Cream began as a pharmacy counter staple in the 1920s and reached "cult status" on the West Coast by the 1970s. The brand has significant celebrity shoutouts and has become a cornerstone of West Coast nostalgia. With the acquisition and planned revitalization, Thrifty Ice Cream is positioned to become a modern-day legacy.

The acquisition of Thrifty Ice Cream by Hilrod Holdings is a strategic move that aligns with the growth trajectory of Monster Beverage Corporation. Monster Beverage, a leading player in the energy drink market, recently reported record net sales of over $2 billion in Q2 2025, with an 11.1% growth rate [3]. This positive financial performance suggests that Monster Beverage and its affiliated companies are well-positioned for future growth.

References:
[1] https://www.registerguard.com/story/money/food/2025/08/10/thrifty-ice-cream-monster-energy/85600411007/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/owners-connected-monster-energy-announce-180002906.html
[3] https://site.financialmodelingprep.com/market-news/monster-beverage-corporation-nasdaq-mnst-positive-outlook-wells-fargo