Jones Drug Boasts 140 Years of Business

If you ever crave a place where everybody knows your name, then ditch the corporate pharmacy and get your prescriptions filled at Jones Drug in downtown Natick. 

Opened in 1870, Jones Drug has been in business for 140 years, and the current owner, Richard Peristere, has worked there for over 50 years. This, “personal service,” he claims, is what makes the difference. “We know everybody.”

Aside from the fact that the pharmacists personally know their customers and their family’s health history, they maintain competitive prices and accept nearly all prescription insurance plans. 

Have trouble making it downtown to pick up your medication? No problem- Jones Drug delivers! Home delivery is not something you can find many places, and is another personal touch that keeps customers loyal. “Natick’s downtown is a really service-oriented center,” Richard says, and Jones Drug certainly does what they can to provide top quality service. 

When Richard (a lifelong Natick resident) began working at Jones Drug in the 60’s, he worked alongside members of the Jones family (not the original owner, Mr. Jones- “I haven’t been here that long,” he laughs). 

Although Richard himself is not a relative of the Jones’, the store still has a family feel. Richard’s four sons have worked at Jones Drug, and one part-time employee at the pharmacy counter named Sean is the father of a teenage cashier by the front door.  

When asked if he’s seen much change in the store over the past 50 years, Richard doesn’t hesitate to say yes. “The inventory in the store has completely changed,” he says. Where there was originally a pharmacy, a small greeting card department, and a soda fountain, they’ve expanded to include Beanie Babies, candy, clothing, and more.

“Natick apparel seems to do very well for us,” Richard says. “Prescriptions are still the main focus, but the apparel certainly doesn’t hurt.”

As for the future of Jones Drug, Richard says he just hopes to “keep going.” 

Jones Drug is located at 7 Main St. in downtown Natick and is open Monday through Friday, 8AM to 8PM and Saturday 9AM to 5PM.