Back in 1933, Elmer Francis Blank, Sr. came up with a business model that would stand the test of time: a family-owned pharmacy that provides excellent customer care with – and this is key – “a big heart.”
Celebrating its 90th year, Blank’s Pharmacy at 272 W. Pike St. has used that philosophy as it’s cared for folks in The Cov, filling and refilling their prescriptions, and providing vitamins, vaccinations, immunizations, and more. It’s one of the oldest independently operated drugstores in Covington, proving every day that the difference between a big-box chain pharmacy and independent, family-owned pharmacy is more than square footage.
Their service has earned Blank’s Pharmacy an Authenti-CITY award from the City of Covington.
Blank’s Pharmacy (Photo from City of Covington)
Karen Blank Arlinghaus, who’s a pharmacist and has worked in the pharmacy off and on her entire life – and works there now with her brother, Greg, who owns the business – said that what’s special about Blank’s is how they can make a difference in people’s lives.
“Grandpa set the standard, my Dad followed that standard, and now Greg does the same thing, and it’s all done with a big heart,” Arlinghaus said. “Through medication management and helping customers as much as we can, they become like family to us, and we take care of them like family.”
Arlinghaus grew up in Fort Mitchell but said Covington always felt like home. She has fond memories that go beyond working in the pharmacy: For her, there was family, traditions, and friends.
“We brought Dad’s dinner here to the pharmacy at 5:15 every night,” said Arlinghaus, whose father, Francis Blank, owned the pharmacy after her grandfather. “My mom was raised in Covington, her parents lived on York Street. So, we knew all the customers and neighbors growing up.”
Arlinghaus said she loves watching Covington grow and attract “more great people” each year, and she’s happy that Blank’s Pharmacy is around to continue its care of those in The Cov.
“I can’t imagine not having independent pharmacies around, because of how we care for our customers,” she said. “I love that there’s this older generation and new generation mixing. It’s our 90th anniversary here and we’re really grateful that we’ve been able to be here for people.”
City of Covington
Blanks’ is an amazing pharmacy. They do wonderful on pricing even in a small space. Their delivery services keep elderly & folks with sick little ones they don’t want to “drag out” to get meds healing & healthy. Their help with getting all our Covid Boosters & Flu , Pneumonia & Shingles immunizations is awesome & life as well as time saving. God Bless them.
God Bless them. They make our city sttibgri & more vibrant.