Family pharmacy closes after a century of service
- Central Drug Store has served the Excelsior District of San Francisco for over 100 years.
- Owner Jerry Tonelli is retiring after 50 years of dedication to the business.
- The closure highlights the ongoing struggles of independent pharmacies competing against larger retail chains.
In San Francisco, California, a family-owned pharmacy, Central Drug Store, is closing its doors after 100 years of service to the community. Owner Jerry Tonelli announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for a business that has been a staple in the Excelsior District since 1965. Tonelli has dedicated 50 years to serving customers at the pharmacy, where his parents originally met. Such closures highlight the struggles facing independent pharmacies amid increasing competition from large retail chains and the complex role of pharmacy benefit managers. Despite the challenges posed by competitors like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid, Central Drug Store remained a beloved institution in the neighborhood, revered by locals for its personalized service and long-standing commitment to customer care. Customers expressed deep gratitude and sadness over the news, reflecting on the positive impact the Tonelli family has had on their lives over the years. Many shared their experiences on social media, emphasizing how much the pharmacy meant to them and their families. The pharmacy's closing is symptomatic of a broader trend affecting independent pharmacies across the country, where many are struggling to survive due to decreasing reimbursement rates implemented by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs serve as intermediaries in the drug pricing system, negotiating between insurers, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies. Critics argue that these practices disadvantage independent pharmacies, making financial sustainability increasingly difficult. While the Tonelli family has successfully navigated these pressures for a century, Jerry Tonelli expressed concern that other independent pharmacies might not be able to withstand such corporate competition and operational challenges. His retirement marks not just a personal milestone, but it also signifies a poignant shift in the landscape of community-based healthcare and pharmacy services, as more independent businesses face closure in the face of corporate dominance.