Smiths Pharmacy was started by Walter Smith in 1874 in Downtown
St. Helena. In 1898 Mr. Smith’s son-in-law
Walter Metzner became proprietor, and continued as pharmacist
for many years. In the late 1960’s the store moved
from Main St. into the new Safeway shopping plaza. Debbie
and Jeff Hansen became the current owners in 1994 and in
2003 a store remodel was completed.
Jeff Hansen, RPh:
Jeff Hansen was born and raised in Sacramento,
California. After graduating from Christian Brothers High
School in 1979, he enrolled at the University of Pacific
in Stockton and graduated from the School of Pharmacy with
his doctor of pharmacy degree in 1984. In 1988 they purchased
Nu-Way Drugs on Main St. (currently Market Restaurant)
and during the next 5 years their 3 girls celebrated their
1st birthdays in the store’s soda fountain. With
sad hearts they closed Nu-Way and when they purchased Smith’s
Pharmacy in 1994, the two businesses merged. January 2006
brought the opportunity to expand their services to Calistoga
with the acquisition of Silverado Pharmacy. Currently Jeff
manages the pharmacy department at both stores. He
also serves on the board for the Napa Valley Pharmacist
Association and the Empire Drug Company.
Debbie Hansen
Debbie Hansen, wife of Jeff (pharmacist), wears many hats
within the business, Owner, buyer, bookkeeper, merchandiser
HR etc. Debbie prides herself on keeping the many departments
of Smiths fresh, always searching for unique and affordable
items not found in the near area. Smiths’ gift department
has a reputation for always having “just the right
gift”. Debbie loves traveling to the gift shows,
creating innovative displays and helping customers get
what they need. |
