Walnut Creek, California – One of Walnut Creek’s major pharmacies is shutting its doors forever, part of a nationwide bankruptcy.
The pharmacy is the Rite Aid in Walnut Creek, located right by the Bay Area Telegraph’s headquarters in the Palo Verdes shopping center.
Pharmacy staff from the Rite Aid took to social media this week to formally share the closing of the store and to say goodbye and thanks to the community. Rite Aid confirms that the store closed on July 17.
The closure of the local Rite Aid is part of a much broader series of closures as the company moves through bankruptcy. Hundreds of locations around the country are also shutting down.
The shutdowns have been happening on a rolling basis, though, so no one was sure exactly when the Walnut Creek, California store would close.
You wouldn’t necessarily think that people would be nostalgic over a pharmacy, but many locals consider it a part of their day-to-day routine, and this location has apparently been that way for decades.
Many took to neighborhood forums to express their gratitude to the pharmacy staff and share memories from years of service.
Ken F. of Downtown Lafayette summed up a common sentiment, saying, “Thank you! Longing for the good ol’ Long’s Drugs days.” Dorothy H. from Hedgewood agreed, writing, “I miss Longs a lot.”
Mahshid A. of Sky West thanked the team, saying, “I will miss you. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and our community.” Similarly, Giles M. of Pleasant Hill Elementary added, “You have been my pharmacy for 25+ years. I will miss you all!”
There was also concern about where prescriptions have been transferred. Francine H. of Sky West received a text that her prescription went to a CVS “on the other side of town,” calling it “a joke.”
Erica B. of Buena Vista used the forum to reconnect with longtime pharmacy staff member Phyllis, saying, “We have kids the same age… I regret not getting her contact info.” Phyllis quickly responded, confirming they’d keep in touch.
Several residents expressed personal appreciation for the staff. Jan C. of Bonnie Brae Highlands said, “You were the best pharmacy team ever… Julianne and Paul will miss you.” Paula S., also of Buena Vista, said goodbye with well wishes but added, “I’ll see you again—this is not goodbye, my friend.”
Others echoed the loss of familiar service. “You guys were great,” said Cris S. of Palos Verde. “We will miss seeing your smiling faces after all these years.” Akram N. of Pleasant Hill Elementary added, “Thanks for all you’ve done for me and my family… Best wishes in your new adventure.”
As closures continue throughout Contra Costa County, Alice S. of Shadowood/Tres Lagos asked, “Are all Rite Aids now closed?” Phyllis Rose replied, “Not yet—by the end of July.”
Locals will also miss the cheap, cult-favorite “Thrifty” ice cream served at the location.
The closure will also leave a large gap in Palo Verde. Make sure to follow our free 925 News newsletter so we can let you know as soon as we figure out what’s coming next.
