(KRON) — The oldest running shop in San Francisco’s Excelsior District is soon closing its doors for good. Central Drug Store, which is on the San Francisco Legacy Business Registry, announced its last day of operation will be on July 15.
The pharmacy first opened back in 1908 at 4494 Mission St. It has remained at that same address ever since. Central Drug Store was added to the San Francisco Legacy Business list in 2021.
The closure comes as Central Drug Store owner Jerry Tonelli announced his retirement after almost 50 years. The Tonelli family purchased and assumed ownership of Central Drug Store in 1965.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement,” a farewell post on Central Drug Store’s Facebook page reads. “We are a small, but mighty, pharmacy. And we are proud to say that we outlasted Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and mail order services. I am pleased to say this is my choice and I am leaving on my own terms! It is time for all of us to start a new phase in our lives and spend more time with our families.”
Central Drug Store is the only pharmacy on the San Francisco Legacy Business Registry, which includes more than 400 total businesses in the city.
Dozens of Central Drug Store patrons commented on the Facebook post, expressing their sadness and gratitude regarding the news about the upcoming closure. Some customers recall going to the pharmacy as far back as the 1950s.
“I can’t tell how many lives you have impacted. As a young girl in the 50s my mom, Tosca Chiantelli and I came in your store every Saturday and looked at everything in the displays and picked up prescriptionsamd necessities,” one Central Drug Store patron wrote.
“Oh no. My heart is breaking. I wish you all the health, happiness and blessings. Central Drug was one of a kind never to be duplicated,” another comment reads.
The pharmacy is also a general merchandise store that sells “goods ranging from durable medical equipment, perfume and colognes, toys/stuffed animals, gifts, and household goods,” according to the legacy business registry.
“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts,” the Central Drug Store’s farewell post concludes.
(KRON) — The oldest running shop in San Francisco’s Excelsior District is soon closing its doors for good. Central Drug Store, which is on the San Francisco Legacy Business Registry, announced its last day of operation will be on July 15. The pharmacy first opened back in 1908 at 4494 Mission St. It has remained […]
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