It was a sad day for many Irving residents.
Big State Drugs, a landmark in downtown Irving, closed its doors after 66 years in business.
Owner Brian Smith said changes in prescription plans and other economic factors led to the closure.
He tried to keep his composure as generations of loyal customers came to say goodbye.
“It’s sad for all of us. I mean, I’ve had two people so far today come in and cry. A bunch yesterday too,” he said.
Smith bought the store 22 years ago and said it’s been an uphill battle, especially in recent years, to keep his store open.
“You don’t own a business to operate it and have to pay to keep it open. You’re supposed to take a little home, and it just wasn’t happening,” he said.
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Aurora Guzman was one of countless customers who came to eat cheeseburgers at that location. “I was in diapers and growing up, and then bringing my kids here,” she said.
Another longtime Irving resident Robert Bogard got emotional as he remembered his decades at the store.
“There are other places to go and eat, and other good places to go and eat, but when you walk in here, they know your name, they know who you are, they know about your life. And that’s special,” he said.
Smith said the prescription records will go to a CVS store down the street. He'll work there as well to ensure a smooth transition.
