CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Today's "We're Open," segment highlights a family-owned pharmacy that has been around for more than six decades.
They continue to provide essential services for our community during the pandemic.
When it comes to locally owned pharmacies here in Corpus Christi, this is the last remaining one. Nichols Pharmacy located at the corner of Gollihar and Kostoryz. It's truly one of a kind.
It all began in 1954 when pharmacist Charles Nichols decided to open his own business.
A University of Texas graduate, Nichols loved his Longhorns. He was even best friends with coach Darrell Royal and for nearly 30 years he used his burnt orange Beetle to make deliveries.
"He had the orange Volkswagen and everybody recognized it. Charlie would always replace the motor and we tried to keep it going. Unfortunately the bottom finally fell out of it," said John McNeil, pharmacist and owner of Nichols Pharmacy.
His former business partner McNeil bought the pharmacy several years ago and he still offers free home delivery which is especially important during the COVID-19 outbreak.
"It has really helped out the hospice nurses because they have been really busy. We also deliver to other facilities like nursing homes," said McNeil.
McNeil has even added a toy store to his pharmacy
"A lot of the toys are the old-fashioned type that we grew up with," he said. "They don't go bad and they are great educational tools for the kids"
Nichols Pharmacy is open six days a week. They are closed on Sunday.
