Midway, KY - Not so long ago, every town had an old-fashioned soda fountain and drug store - a place where folks stopped by for a milkshake, ice cream cone or root beer float, caught up with the neighbors and sought medical guidance from the local pharmacist.
University of Kentucky pharmacy graduate Ken Glass had a dream to own a piece of that history. His father owned a Dairy Queen in eastern Kentucky, and after 10 years as a pharmacist with both chain and independent drug stores, the Midway resident was ready for a change.
Glass realized his dreams by opening Railroad Drug and Old Time Soda Fountain, a burgeoning local pharmacy and ice cream shop, on Main Street in Midway, Ky., a year ago.
Glass, a Rowan County native, first saw the old Logan's of Midway on a walk through town with his son one afternoon.
"I was tired of working at a chain store and thought I'd just check out the building and get some basic information," he said. "With the help of the Small Business Development Corporation, we got a loan. The bank was all for it."
Midway's last pharmacy had closed in the late '90s. Everyone went to Frankfort, Georgetown or Versailles for their medicine; this was a major selling point for the bank, according to Glass.
The Glass family began construction on the old Logan's in May 2010. The front of the building was built in 1895, complete with authentic coal chutes.
They were able to match the original crown molding, and after a new roof, ceiling tiles and bathrooms, the space was ready to go. Railroad Drug had its grand opening on August 6, 2010.
"We did it right," said Glass. "Six weeks of construction turned into 12 weeks, but we want to be here for awhile."
Railroad Drug is a mix of the old and the new, with old-fashioned penny candy, an original 1940s soda fountain and plans for a jukebox. But the pharmacy service is up-to-date and relevant for customers of all ages.
"Over the past two decades, there has been a shift in the pharmacy industry," Glass explained. "Life is busier, and people just want to get their prescriptions as quickly as possible and get out - cheap and easy."
But much is lost in a typical box-store transaction - a transaction that is based upon quantity, instead quality and patient care, he said.
"The pricing is reflected in the service," said Glass. "A pharmacy used to be a place where a person could come in and talk to a health care professional free of charge. At chains, that's just not possible."
Ninety percent of Glass' 900 current patients have his cell phone number, he said. Railroad Drug also offers free delivery, as the store location did not allow for a drive-through. But Glass has found that people would rather come to the store to chat with locals, get a scoop of ice cream or just visit with him while they pick up prescriptions.
"The kids are entertained while you wait for your prescription, and most people, especially of the older generation, want to get out of the house," Glass said. "People are tired of the chains. Maybe it's a couple of bucks more, but there's the idea of knowing someone; you're more than just a co-pay or social security number to us."
Despite what many customers might think, prescriptions with insurance at Railroad Drug are identical to any chain pharmacy. Glass takes an honest look at each of his patient prescriptions, and if a pharmacy patron is getting a better deal somewhere else, he will be forthright.
"People hate change," said Glass. "We have customers that come in for lottery tickets or Band-Aids, but they still go to the chain drug store for their medicine."
"Ken will work with folks. It's just getting them in the store," added Ken's wife, Amanda Glass, a Bullitt County native who manages
Railroad Drug's retail store and soda fountain. "Ken will have you converted."
Both Ken and Amanda Glass are diehard UK fans, and Wildcats memorabilia covers the walls. The soda fountain's Kentucky blue stools are authentic 1960s pieces. UK basketball Coach John Calipari recently paid the business a visit and promised to add something of his own to the pharmacy walls.
"Coach Cal's visit was a definite highlight of the past year," said Ken Glass. "And he's welcome back anytime."
In addition to ice cream, Railroad Drug added lunch at the beginning of July; according to Amanda Glass, the Railroad Dog is the most popular item.
"There aren't a lot of inexpensive places to just grab a bite to eat in town, or to take kids," she said.
"Bring your kids - the louder the better," said Ken Glass with a laugh. The couple's three children are frequently found playing in the back of the store, or enjoying an iced treat at the front.
In addition to the full-service pharmacy, Railroad Drug sells everything from greeting cards and lottery tickets to school supplies and flu shots. Business has exceeded Ken Glass' projections, he said, but he knows that the retail side can't stand on its own. And that's why there are few drug stores like Railroad Drug left in most American towns.
"Railroad Drug has worked so well because of the community and its old-school values," he said. "You should patronize the people that care and support your community, and Midway residents understand that."
The Glasses sponsor local events like "Sparks in the Park" and employ local teens and parents as soda jerks.
"Most kids ride bikes or walk to work," said Amanda Glass. "We're very tied into the community."
Residents missed a local pharmacy, according to Midway Mayor Tom Bozarth.
"It's fortunate that Ken and Amanda made this a reality, because it's been great for downtown," Bozarth said. "Railroad Drug gives us another great local business, another reason for local people to come downtown on a regular basis, and the soda fountain brings in younger people."
Tourists and locals alike come in for a milkshake or ice cream cone.
"The pharmacy is a good gathering spot, and Ken has taken it to another level, with his accessibility and delivery," added Bozarth. "That's a beauty of a small town."
Railroad Drug is located at 115 East Main Street in Midway, Ky. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information, contact Ken or Amanda Glass at (859)846-4146, or at www.railroaddrug.com.