EAST PALESTINE — When the East Palestine Rite-Aid closed its doors in 2024 as part of the struggling company’s decision to shutter several locations across the state of Ohio and Michigan, the village set out to find a new pharmacy to service the community.

Last week, it was announced Elite Pharmacy would fill the need left behind when the chain drug store closed in July of 2024.

“The Village of East Palestine is pleased to hear that Elite Pharmacy is coming to town,” Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy said. “Proper access and availability of medications, close to home, has real and positive impacts on citizens’ health. We are happy to welcome this investment in our people.”

In January, the East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) reported the village was in promising talks with a pharmacy. At the pharmacy’s request, the EPCIC asked residents to complete a short online survey to determine the needs of a future drug store in the village and the demand for it among the community.

Elite Pharmacy will set up shop at 49 E. Taggart St. at the site of the old Ianazone’s Pizza location. The East Palestine store will be Elite’s fourth location but first in Columbiana County. Elite began in Canfield and expanded to locations in Garrettsville and New Philadelphia.

Elite offers free delivery, compounding, vaccinations, supplementations and over-the-counter inventory. The company fills veterinary prescriptions as well.

According to its website elitepharmacy.com, Elite was “born from a desire for patients to have a choice in healthcare” and “aims to be your go-to locally owned and operated independent pharmacy.”

Elite is owned and operated by Dan Jones and Jacob Sweet.

The drug store is expected to be open this month and is currently hiring a full-time community pharmacist.

“We are thrilled to be opening a new pharmacy in East Palestine, Ohio, providing personalized Healthcare access to those who need it, helping improve quality of life in the town.”

As for the former Rite-Aid building, it was converted into Dollar Tree that recently opened.