For seventy years, City Pharmacy was a place where people could gather in downtown Covington, Georgia. It was a true functioning pharmacy when Phil Stone worked there as a teenage soda jerk in the late 1950s. The experience inspired him to go to pharmacy school, and later he returned to buy the building.
After the space took on different shapes and names a few times since the mid-90s, Phil's son Tedo re-opened City Pharmacy, this time as a farm-to-table restaurant with chef Christian Perez at the helm. New owner Tedo Stone shared what the experience and business means to him.
What was the inspiration for City Pharmacy?
The idea of reopening City Pharmacy as a restaurant/bar grew out of conversations amongst my siblings over the years. There was always that simple idea in the back of my head, but it was touring around with my band that allowed me to experience tons of bars and restaurants across the country to draw inspiration from. Every town has that one place we sought out based on recommendations from locals and visitors alike. The establishments I was particularly drawn to were those rich in history and unique to that community with a comfortable and friendly energy. Those intangible energies of a gathering place that locals cherish and passersby seek out is something that can't be replicated, but I knew City Pharmacy had been that place for Covington before closing it's doors in '96. I wanted to bring that energy back into the space — the energy that once lived within the pharmacy and soda fountain.
What does it mean for you personally to restore life in a place that has been vital to your community for so long?
It feels like a rite of passage to be opening a business on the square in Covington. In addition to my dad's business, his mom and sister owned a dress shop across the square. My grandfather on my mom's side owned Covington Furniture store a few store fronts over from City Pharmacy, where there is now an Irish pub. Covington is a quaint, picturesque city that is currently experiencing a lot of growth. Revitalizing the pharmacy will hopefully preserve some of the town's history not only with its namesake, but with the stories that can be retold within its walls for years to come. With all the challenges I've faced opening a restaurant, its these things that make it an extremely fulfilling endeavor.
How did you facilitate such a convivial atmosphere?
For the duration of the pharmacy's life, "Where Friends Meet" was painted on the side of the building. I believe there is an energy in the space that facilitates communion, and has for many years. The pharmacy was much more than a place to get your prescription filled, like we think of today. At the time it was much more. It was the place where individuals would congregate on the square before there were restaurants or bars.
I also believe excitement and joy derives from creation. We want the menus to be ever-evolving with the seasons, products, and the hands that create them. Encouraging our culinary team and bartenders to create and explore brings excitement into the food, drinks and atmosphere.
Which historical elements of the space did you think were most important to maintain?
To me, the ceramic tile floors make the space. Mike, the gentleman who repaired the floors, was the first one in and last to leave during the renovation. They no longer make the particular size of tile, so he hand-scored over 2,000 tiles to restore damages from years of installations and walls being nailed into them. Another staple feature is the stained glass windows. We discovered a picture from the 40s displaying the stained glass on the facade, but it had been covered up for decades. The most exciting day of renovations was uncovering it to discover it intact with just one pane damaged.
What's been the most rewarding part of opening this restaurant?
Seeing my dad, who worked his first job at City Pharmacy and eventually purchased it as his his first business, sitting at the bar in conversation or going table to table to speak to old friends and strangers alike brings me a lot of joy. All my life I've been approached by countless people my dad filled prescriptions for and the people who worked along side him. Stories of the service he provided to customers far exceed the big box pharmacies that have now replaced small, family owned operations that once lived in our downtown. Employees who admired him and his style of leadership now drop by the restaurant to introduce themselves and share their stories. To see those relationships carry on while new ones are created are what's most rewarding about reopening the pharmacy.
How have you engaged/included the community with your new space?
We did a community supper with The Giving Kitchen and Sweetwater Brewery in the spring and look to continue those seasonally. It was a different dining experience than the typical night at City Pharmacy. Inviting the community to come together to learn about such an awesome organization as the Giving Kitchen intertwined with Chef Christian speaking on her dishes created a unique and enlightening experience, educating our community on some things that excites us. We hope to continue to showcase organizations and purveyors, local and statewide, that we love and that are doing amazing things.
What is your vision for the future of City Pharmacy?
Above all, I want to see the story of City Pharmacy continue to attract likeminded creatives, bringing new food and drinks to our community. I want to continue providing Covington a place where friends can gather and share in conversation. My hope is City Pharmacy will carry on as the special place it's always been for Covington and its visitors for years to come.
Video & Stills by Ethan Payne
Score by Gresham Cash
Interview by Jodi Cash
Archival Photos Courtesy of City Pharmacy