History of the Pharmacy

Joseph E Pierce opened his first Apothecary in the medical building at 1101 Beacon Street in the ‘40s. At that time just about every major block of Beacon Street had its own pharmacy. The doctors at the medical building at 1180 Beacon also wanted a pharmacy and asked Mr. Pierce to open a second store. The Town of Brookline first declined his zoning application in the late ‘40’s but with support of the doctors in the building finally obtained approval in 1951 and changed the business name to J.E. Pierce Apothecaries. It is unclear when Mr. Pierce closed the 1101 Beacon pharmacy to focus on the 1180 pharmacy.

Mr. Pierce passed away in the late ‘60s when his family oversaw running the pharmacy until a new owner was sought. The second owner, James Wright, kept the pharmacy pretty much the same until a pharmacy student of his urged him to expand into medical supplies for doctor offices. The student, Steven Grossman, would eventually buy the store from Mr. Wright while still in pharmacy school. Steve’s partner, Anthony Rozzi, would run the business until Steve graduated in 1980. In 1986 Steve wanted to further expand the traditional aspect of compounding pharmacy as a part of their business. Steve’s partner decided to pursue other avenues and the two parted ways while Steve continued to gain training and expertise in compounding medications. Steve continued to grow the business and be a resource for countless doctors and patients in the Boston region. Mr. Grossman helped ensure all patients had access to care by helping get the Freedom of Choice healthcare legislation passed in Massachusetts and taking on Harvard Pilgrim in a class action lawsuit when they forced pharmacies from their network.

In 2009, Mr. Grossman decided to step back from his ambitious duties and pursue a new challenge in hospice and assisted living practice and sell the pharmacy to two of his former students.

Derick and Kristyn Anderson had both worked with Mr. Grossman while attending Northeastern University Pharmacy School. Since taking over the pharmacy the specialty compounding aspect has been a particular focus. In 2010 a new state of the art compounding laboratory was opened at 1093 Beacon Street. The compounding operation was moved into this facility allowing for much needed space at the 1180 Beacon pharmacy to spread out.

A list of other independent pharmacies that served Brookline in the past:

Arrigo Brothers Pharmacists
Carlton Pharmacy
Dean Pharmacy
Englewood Pharmacy
Gold Pharmacy
Granite Super Drug and Hardware
Herlin Pharmacy
Morgans Pharmacy
Pelham Drug (now located in Waltham
Rix Super Drug
Strollers Pharmacy
Village Pharmacy (now in Waltham)
W M Quinlan Inc

Meet our Staff

	Derick Anderson Owner / Compounding Pharmacist
	Alessandra Baran Pharmacy Manager / Pharmacist