Downtown Smithville will lose one of its longest running businesses and a good bit of traffic in March when Bayer Pharmacy closes its doors. Pharmacist Gary Bayer began at the apothecary in the late 70s, and bought it in 1981.

“I felt it was time, I’ve been here since 1976,” Bayer said. The long hours running the pharmacy were also a factor according to Bayer.

The business was sold to Hunter Pharm Inc., an Austin-based pharmacy management company, which will consolidate the pharmacy at their operations at Smithville Pharmacy where Bayer will work behind the counter.

Bayer owns the building at the corner of Loop 230 and 219 Main Street and he’s looking at options for the structure, including selling the building or working with a tenant.

Hunter Pharm Inc., is no stranger to Smithville and has been in operation here since the late 80’s according to founder and President/CEO Michael Hunter. Hunter Pharmacy Services also manages pharmacy services for Smithville Regional Hospital.

Hunter will be remodeling Smithvile Pharmacy at 1404-A NE Loop 230 in the next two months.