Albert's Fresh Market in Grafton has served the Lorain County village for over 90 years, and its owner wants to add a pharmacy in an empty section of the store between the produce and snack aisles. Ralph Pence, who said his middle name inspired the market's name, reported investing close to $500,000 over the past two years in renovations and improvements.
Grafton awarded the store a $100,000 grant in 2024 to remodel for a pharmacy, according to News 5. Village Administrator Andrew Lipian described the funding as preparation so a pharmacy could be plugged in once one is found. The effort followed the closure of a nearby Rite Aid that had been the village's only drug store.
Pence said at least 40 prospective pharmacy tenants have turned down the space, citing timing. He said he sympathizes but intends to keep trying.
Area options have narrowed further: Midview Drug in Eaton Township closed, an outcome that came after the Ohio Attorney General's Office said its owner was indicted for Medicaid fraud tied to billing at a different Mahoning County business, News 5 reported. Experts previously told the station that pharmacies nationwide face rising costs, shrinking reimbursement rates and tighter margins from industry middlemen. Residents including Carlisle Township's Fran Weber described longer trips for medications, while Albert's customer Joni McDonough said a local pharmacy would be closer and more convenient.