Royal Pharmacy

Small, family run business that I frequent whenever I’m in town. They stock random travel items you may have forgotten, over-​the-​counter meds and standard prescriptions. The owners, a married couple, are always friendly to me. The soda fountain is still present but not working.

As I walked next to the Royal Pharmacy, I got very excited to see an old school pharmacy’s window display decorated with historical jars with old chemical/​herbal names. I enjoy seeing traditional pharmacies and I only have respect for independent pharmacies as they have the difficult challenge competing with big chain retail pharmacies.
When I went in, I saw the higher shelves adorned with pharmaceutical jars from decades ago and an old soda fountain display. The pharmacy does fill modern day prescriptions, like any other pharmacy.
The only thing that kept me from giving a very high rating was the service there — unlike the Southern hospitality I’ve experienced throughout the city. The clerk or pharmacist (not sure if she was both), was busy reading a book and suddenly looked up to say «may I help you?» with a frown on her face. At that point, I was looking around at the old jars. As I complimented her on how amazing the place looks with the old fashioned feel, she only answered negatively saying that it’s a family owned business and after they are not there anymore, it won’t be a pharmacy. Then she proceeded reading her book. No smile… no excitement for her work… no thanks for visiting. It was disappointing enough to discourage me from buying anything there to support a local pharmacy. Maybe she’s just having a bad day? I sure hope so!!!

Closed! No sign, no posted hours. Looks out of business cause the windows are so murky

Small personal pharmacy. I wish the old soda fountain worked. At least you can take the kids there to see how buying a soda use to be done.

The same family has run The Royal Pharmacy since the mid 30s. 1935, to be exact. The space has actually been a pharmacy for the past hundred years.
When you walk through the door, it is like taking a step back in time. Wood floors. High tin-​stamped ceilings. Friendly, personable staff. Nothing fancy, no unnecessary frills, just what you are looking for. Anything you could need in a pinch. Nail clippers, toothpaste, toilet paper, gum, as well as medication. Well, they did have dvds, but this lent a great service; there aren’t any video rental stores that I’m aware of in the quarter.
One great thing about this family-​run pharmacy: they deliver.
Oh right, and like any old pharmacy, a soda fountain and counter stand along one wall. How awesome is that?!