08/29/2025
“Throwback Friday: More than a building”
📍 The History of the Knox Professional Pharmacy Building
The building that now houses Knox Professional Pharmacy has long stood as a central landmark in Barbourville, Kentucky. For decades, it has adapted to the needs of the community, while always remaining a place where the people of Knox County gather for essential services.
🛒 Early Days – IGA Grocery Store
In its earliest chapter, the building served as an IGA Foodlier, a bustling neighborhood grocery store. The wide, mid-century style front and open parking lot made it a convenient stop for families stocking up on weekly essentials. It was one of the first modern grocery setups in the area, symbolizing growth and progress in downtown Barbourville.
💊 Transformation into a Pharmacy
As the community’s needs evolved, the location transitioned into its current role as Knox Professional Pharmacy. What once provided groceries to local households now provides prescriptions, medical equipment, diabetic shoes, immunizations, and healthcare support. This transformation carried forward the original mission of service—meeting everyday needs in a trusted, centralized location.
🏛 A Constant in the Community
While the businesses inside have changed, the building itself has remained a pillar of Knox Street in downtown Barbourville. From feeding families as an IGA to now serving them through pharmacy care, its presence has always been tied to supporting the well-being of Knox Countians.
Today, Knox Professional Pharmacy continues that tradition—offering not just prescriptions, but also medical supplies, delivery services, and community outreach. In many ways, the building has come full circle: always a place where neighbors gather, needs are met, and community is strengthened.
