Sanitarium Drug gets new owner

Though the recent passing of Thomas E. Goodrich III left customers and community members worried that the store would be closing without his leadership, Sanitarium Drug Store will continue to serve Marlin, Falls County, and the surrounding areas under new owner, Murph Najjar. 

Najjar brings over 30 years of experience in retail and the pharmacy business. He is the owner of Liberty Pharmacy, which has locations in both Austin and Georgetown. He has managed the company for over 13 years.

Hugo Berdeja has been named the new manager of Sanitarium Drug. Berdeja also has over 30 years experience of independent pharmacy and retail sales.

Day-to-day operations will remain the same, with Billy Arndt and Mary Coker on staff.

Arndt began working at Sanitarium Drug at age 14 and continued through his high school years. After graduating, the medical professional left his position to attend pharmacy school. Upon completion, he returned home to work at Sanitarium Drug as a pharmacist. Mary Coker is a long-time employee as well.

Sanitarium Drug Store was founded by Thomas E. Goodrich in 1953 and was passed down for three generations. At the time of conception, the Buie Clinic and Marlin Sanitarium Bathhouse, across from the Falls Hotel and just down the street from the drug store, was in full swing and tourists were bountiful to utilize the facility's many doctors, treatment options, and amenities. 

Goodrich Jr’s son, Thomas E. Goodrich III, followed in his father’s footsteps and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy before eventually being named the next owner of the store. 

Conveniently located near Falls Community Hospital and Clinic, consumers have reported incredibly low wait times and a personal investment in their needs not found at larger institutions. There is a drive through window for filling prescriptions, though many customers prefer to head inside for service.

Sanitarium Drug Store is located at 156 Coleman St in Marlin and services all of Falls County and the surrounding areas. The store can be reached by phone at (254)883-3541, by fax at (254)883-9662 or by email at sanitariumdrugstore@gmail.com.