Restaurant Revisited: Lyon's Pharmacy of Elkton
When Marybeth Sniadowski-Cole's father passed away last year, Marybeth wasn't sure in which direction to take Lyon's Pharmacy of Elkton, which he'd purchased more than five decades ago. Part old-school luncheonette and part functioning pharmacy, this double-duty business needed direction if it was to have any hope of lasting success, and for that Marybeth looked to Robert Irvine. Together with his Restaurant: Impossible team and the community in which the pharmacy has been a longtime fixture, Robert gave Lyon's the second chance it deserved. Read on below to hear from Marybeth to find out how her business is doing today.
Since Robert reopened Lyon's Pharmacy, the luncheonette has seen a 15 percent increase in gross sales, according to Marybeth, who adds that "the cash register from downstairs, and the brick walls are by far the favorites" in terms of the updated decor.
As for the menu at the luncheonette, Marybeth explains that "fresh [food] is the only way to go," and Robert's soup and crab cakes are still on the menu today. She says that while Anna Maria is no longer with the business, there's now a new cook in place.
"My time is less involved in running the front," notes Marybeth of her role at Lyon's, explaining that she feels confident that she's equipped to successfully run the business. Reflecting on this experience, she says she's learned three key elements: "1. I can run multiple businesses at the same time. 2. A community pharmacy is only as successful as the community that is willing to support it. 3. My dad had a great run, but now it’s my time."
According to Marybeth, there's now frequent communication between the luncheonette and the pharmacy. She explains, "We have almost daily meetings to discuss sales, concerns and plans to keep going forward."
Looking ahead, Marybeth notes that she hopes "that this business can continue to be an integral part of this historic community." She adds that she has "no doubt" that her late father would be proud of her, and says that having "his face on the sign" would likely be among his favorite parts of the experience. "He would say something like, 'Am I not the most handsome man you ever met?'" she says.
