In 1929 brothers Harry and Robert Borun, along with brother-in-law Norman Levin, opened Los Angeles retail outlets under the name Thrifty Drug Stores. The first store was located in downtown Los Angeles and by the1950s, more than 100 Thrifty’s were operating in California.

Store openings were always a spectacle, with local politicians as well as movie and television celebrities involved in the ceremonies. Actor Errol Flynn participated in the 1941 opening of the South Pasadena store.

A neon Thrifty Drug Store sign is visible in the background of a scene from the 1954 Judy Garland film version of A Star is Born.

While Thrifty’s stores were places to pick up over the counter drugs and handy household items, they were also popular places to eat. Locals flocked to the lunch counters in the shops for quick and hearty meals.

Scoops of Thrifty ice cream – in iconic cylinder shapes – were also a hit as well as drinks like Thrifty’s famous FloraDora sundae, All-American Triple Rich Triple Dipped malted milks and the enticingly named Skyscraper Soda with whipped cream, maraschino cherry and a choice of root beer, chocolate, vanilla, cherry , strawberry or pineapple.

This delightful 1956 menu was from the lunch counter at the Thrifty’s at Fourth Street and Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica that was demolished in the 1980s.

The chain that became ThriftyPayless was acquired by Rite Aid in 1996, and the name was eventually phased out. However, you can still buy cartons of Thrifty ice cream in some supermarkets.

Courtesy Bob Reiss