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Family-owned pharmacy is set to expand in chain-filled world

A family pharmacy, where "everyone is a friend," is set to add a store with a deli or a cafe. More stores may follow.

By ELENA LESLEY
Published November 8, 2006

INVERNESS - Bob Brashear is on a first-name basis with most of his patrons.

"Everyone is a friend here," he said recently, taking a break from filling prescriptions at his busy Inverness pharmacy. "It means a lot to look someone in the eye and show them compassion."

That kind of personal contact draws loyal customers. Which is why, in an age where Walgreen Co. and CVS have swallowed up many mom-and-pop shops, Brashear's local pharmacy is thriving.

In fact, it's expanding.

By spring, Brashear plans to open his second pharmacy. The new Lecanto facility is just part of his long-term business plan.

"I hope to have three or four pharmacies someday, all in the county," he said.

Located near the Allen Ridge medical mall off County Road 491, the new location will be the "fun pharmacy," with a deli or cafe, Brashear said. Customers have already started suggesting names, like "Pills and Dills."

"I'm not quite sure yet what it will be, but whatever it is, it will taste good," Brashear said.

The new shop will also be a larger facility with more front-end items, like chocolates and gourmet food. Construction has already started and Brashear hopes to open in March.

"We have so many customers from Homosassa, Beverly Hills, Crystal River, and now they won't have to come so far," he said.

Along with the new amenities, Brashear said he'll continue offering the service that has made his first pharmacy a success: personal attention. The Inverness pharmacy is a family operation, with relatives delivering medications, filling prescriptions and even doing public relations.

And longtime patrons, like Betty and Theodore Santana, say they feel like part of the family.

Brashear "is never too busy to talk to you and answer questions," said Betty Santana, 81. "In bigger pharmacies, you pay your money, get your pills and walk out with no personal instruction."

The Santanas also touted Brashear's thriftiness, saying he was never hesitant to save his customers money.

When Theodore Santana, 83, tried to buy a bottle of vitamins, Brashear recommended a cheaper - and what he said was better - brand.

"His prices are better than just about anywhere," Theodore Santana said.

Brashear said it's not hard to keep prices low if you manage costs and charge what is fair. That's how he likes to run his business: prudently and honestly.

"Most of my patients are sick, poor, tired," he said. "Anything I can do to help them, I will."

Elena Lesley can be reached at elesley@sptimes.com or 564-3627.

[Last modified November 7, 2006, 20:31:48]