Longtime independent pharmacy in Greece closes its doors
An independent pharmacy that opened in Greece more than 50 years ago has closed permanently.
A sign on the door of Faris Pharmacy, 2050 Latta Road, states that prescription records are available at Walgreens stores, including at 4433 Dewey Ave. (about 1 mile east) and 3535 Mt. Read Blvd. (about 2½ miles south).
Attempts to reach pharmacy owner George Faris were unsuccessful.
He first opened his business in 1972 in a plaza on West Ridge Road at the corner of Fetzner Road. Fire destroyed the shopping center the following year, forcing out the tenants.
The plaza was rebuilt, and Faris reopened his business there but was forced out again when a CVS Pharmacy moved in in 1983. That’s when he opened the store at 2050 Latta, near I-390, in what became Faris Plaza after he bought it.
It remains home to several other businesses, including a Bill Gray’s restaurant.
The CVS at West Ridge and Fetzner later closed, while Faris Pharmacy chugged along at its new location.
For a time, Faris operated a second store on Long Pond Road.
Faris Pharmacy set itself apart from chain drugstores by providing an old-fashioned style of personal service.
People unable to get the store could have their medication delivered. And Faris vowed never to install an automated phone answering system, so callers always got a live person — including Faris himself — on the other end of the line.
In 2014, he told the Democrat and Chronicle that declining reimbursement from insurance companies was cutting into the bottom line for indie pharmacies like his and that selling other items — greeting cards, local souvenirs, handbags, etc. — was a way to make up for it.
The business also carried such assistive devices as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, surgical stockings and shower seats.
The number of independent pharmacies in the United States has dropped by at least half in recent decades, according to media reports.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Faris Pharmacy in Greece NY closes its doors
