Summit Pharmacy opened its doors Monday to the Holts Summit community, filling a local need while offering a friendly atmosphere.
The spot at 140 Northstar Drive, which is also connected to two clinics, was home to St. Mary's Pharmacy until it closed just before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, leaving locals to get their prescriptions outside of the community.
Anthony DeSha, who is a partner on other local pharmacies, said conversations with the city about bringing a new one to town had resumed recently. He and a pair of other investors started Summit, and he said the response from the community over its first week in business had been excellent.
"The feedback from the community has been awesome on Facebook, and just people coming in. Everyone seems to be super excited that we're here, and I'm excited we're here," DeSha said. "With both the clinics being right here, it's by the time you leave the clinic, your prescription's here and almost ready, and that's very convenient for our customers. We've only been here a week but we're very excited."
In addition to a convenient location and a drive-through, the new pharmacy offers a selection of items, such as honey, soaps and barbecue sauces, that were made within 30 miles as a way to support Missouri businesses and offer a more robust selection for customers.
Customers will also be able to pick up raffle tickets through the first month of business to be entered to win their choice of a Solo stove or a $250 gift card for a massage from Riversong, another way the business hopes to welcome in the community.
Behind the counter, customers will often see pharmacist Jana Ruediger, a Jefferson City native who DeSha recruited for the business after working with her at another pharmacy several years ago. A technician set to join the team is also a local, a touch DeSha said was an important one.
"We want that community pharmacy feel where everyone knows everyone, and that's an approach I'm very confident in," he said. "Smaller independent pharmacies are coming back without a doubt."
Summit Pharmacy is located at 140 Northstar Drive in Holts Summit. It is open from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.