Big plans for empty drug store
Ted and Laura Behren have been busy in the last couple of weeks, undertaking the task of converting the former Florence United Drug Co. site at 231 Main Street into a combination gift shop/flower store and drive-through convenience store.
The Bottle Shop drive-through liquor store is currently operating and will retain its name, while Laura pointed out that a name for the gift store has yet to be determined. A grand opening is tentatively set for mid-October.
Florence United Drug was owned by Gayle Davis for 17 years before it closed and Davis sold its pharmacy and prescription files to the Anthem Safeway in October 2007. Before Davis and her family ran the store, it was owned and operated by the late N.E. “Pete” King for 50 years.
Ted Behren, who was a businessman in Coolidge for 13 years, purchased the property three weeks ago. “I wanted to buy the property in 2000, but I had an accident that forced me to retire,” he explained. “I knew the possibilities of this location back in 2000 because I know what it used to do. I’ve lived in this area all my life, my wife and I got to talking when we saw (Florence Drug) close and thought, ‘That’s pretty sad.'”
