United Bank to also open branch at store
Pharmacist Thompson ready for opening in East Brewton
Early 2019 will bring two new businesses to East Brewton with Cottrell's Hometown Pharmacy and United Bank opening at 305 Forrest Ave.
Brewton Pharmacist Danny Cottrell, who owns Brewton Medical Center Pharmacy, Flomaton Medical Center Pharmacy and is a partner in 17 other pharmacies, is bringing the new pharmacy to East Brewton.
"We're sitting on ready," Cottrell said. "We are waiting on communication deals."
Cottrell said he is still negotiating for internet and telephone services and as soon as that is completed he will be ready to open. He said the pharmacy will operate on one side of the building and United Bank will have a small branch office and ATM on the other.
Fred's has closed the pharmacy portion of its East Brewton store, which prompted Cottrell to open the store.
"When Fred's went out of business, it left a void," Cottrell said of his decision to open a pharmacy in East Brewton.
"The people of East Brewton deserve a pharmacy and I feel if we treat the people right it will be a win-win for everyone," Cottrell said.
He said three of the full time employees at the new pharmacy came from Fred's. Shannon Raines Thompson will serve as the pharmacist at Cottrell's
He said he hopes to have the pharmacy open by mid-January and said United Bank should be open in a few months. He noted both the pharmacy and the bank will have drive thru windows.
The pharmacy will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number for the new pharmacy is 251-809-1010.
East Brewton Mayor Terry Clark said the announcement by Cottrell is good news for the city.
"I'm elated Danny is doing this," Clark said. "The city needed a pharmacy. And I can't think of anyone I'd rather have than Danny putting one in."
"I'm excited," Clark added. "People will have a place to cash their checks and get feeling better."
