Our Journey
1956
University of Kansas Pharmacy graduate and longtime Augustan Cletus Kappelmann bought Cooper Drug Store from then owner John Cooper. Cletus believed in a progressive approach to medicine while maintaining the exceptional customer service Mr. Cooper had always offered Augustans. Soon after Cletus took over ownership, he purchased the 511 State Street building and opened a diner in the back, doubling the square footage of the store. As a result of the friendly atmosphere and good eatin’, Cooper Drug Store became the central gathering spot for downtown Augusta.
2003
Cletus’s son Brett joined the Cooper Drug Store team and brought new energy, enthusiasm, and innovation. In 2006, Brett began to make renovations of his own, including remodeling the store's interior to better meet customers' needs. In addition to moving and expanding the pharmacy counter, he also added a coffee bar, an extended gift area, full lines of medical supplies and equipment, and clinical services such as SyncRx.
2009
In order to meet the growing needs of the long-term care patients in the area, Brett established a separate closed-door pharmacy next door to Cooper Drug Store: Golden Plains Pharmacy Services. To better serve patients and to build off the success of the SyncRx program, MED Manager was launched under the Golden Plains umbrella in 2012. This medication adherence program has been a game-changer for our patients and our pharmacy, delivering peace of mind about their prescription regimens.
Always
Cletus always believed in giving back to his community, and Brett proudly continues that legacy. Cooper Drug Store and its staff have been supportive of the local community for years. Brett is an active leader and loves to sponsor many local organizations and events.
Why choose us
we're More than medicine
At Cooper Drug Store, medications are just a part of what we do. Pharmacy has continued to expand over the years as pharmacists (and recently technicians) are now licensed to administer immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccines. We can also assess physical measures, simplify prescription regimens, offer comprehensive medication reviews, assist with open enrollment, and much more.
While we know many have chosen chain pharmacies to meet their prescription drug needs, we believe that the level of service at Cooper Drug Store has made all the difference. As a locally owned and operated pharmacy since 1922, one of the longest-standing businesses in downtown Augusta, and an anchor of this historic downtown area, we have cherished the opportunity to be a part of this great city, and we strive for excellence in providing the best care we can to our local community and beyond. Whether you are looking for a traditional retail pharmacy, have long-term care needs, or are interested in adherence packaging, we would love for the opportunity to work with you in your health journey!
You're More than a number
We offer great compliance programs and invest in state-of-the-art technology because we are a pharmacy family that cares about you — not as a number, but as a person. We listen, laugh, cry, hug, pray, and just live life with our patients. We are here to support and encourage you every step of the way. We believe the importance of good health cannot be overstated as it can dramatically impact all areas of your life. Investing in solutions to make good health easier for our patients is an easy decision to make every time.
In a world where people move fast and technology moves even faster, we continue to be a cost-effective and local choice. Most importantly, we keep the focus where it should be — you.
Come experience the difference!
