After more than a century of serving San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood, Central Drug Store is set to close permanently on July 15, 2025. The long-standing pharmacy has been a fixture in the local community and recently announced its plans to shut down on social media.
Highlights
- Central Drug Store, which has been in business for 116 years, will say farewell on July 15, 2025.
- The store’s owner announced plans to close the store through a social media post.
- The reason for the closure is that the owner, Jerry Tonelli, has decided to retire.
Central Drug Store to Close After 116 Years in Business
Jerry Tonelli owns Central Drug Store and has been working there since the Tonelli family took over the store in 1965. The store has been in business for 116 years, making it one of the oldest businesses in the neighborhood.
In a Facebook post titled “The Final Prescription,” Central Drug Store announced its impending closure, beginning with, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement.
Mr. Tonelli stated that his decision to retire and close the store was made on his own terms. The post said it is time for all of them to start a new phase in their lives and spend more time with their families.
The post expressed pride that the independent pharmacy had outlasted giants like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and mail-order services. It thanked its loyal customers and patients, without whom the store wouldn’t have survived the challenges throughout the decades.
Community Reactions
The announcement prompted an outpouring of fond memories and gratitude from the community. Many of the comments congratulated Mr. Tonelli on his retirement.
“I remember when my dad had his first heart attack and was just home from a triple bypass you guys filled his prescription so fast! I walked from my house and picked it up in like a half hour. that was fast for back then. Thank you if I never said it,” one commenter said about her experience at the pharmacy.
“Wow! We’ve known you guys for over 50 years. We will miss you. I will make sure to pass by before you close down. Love always,” another comment read.
As Central Drug Store closes down, it will be the end of an era in the neighborhood. The independent drugstore is among the many others that have closed across San Francisco in recent years.
