Photo credit: Fairley’s Pharmacy
The other day I learned that Fairley’s Pharmacy has been sold. Fairley’s is home to one of Portland’s last remaining soda fountains, though it is currently closed because of the pandemic (the pharmacy continues operation). Here’s their full statement:
Hello to the Fairley’s community. Due to business differences, my business partner and I have decided to sell Fairley’s Pharmacy. We would like to Thank You for allowing us to be a part of your family and take care of your pharmaceutical needs for the past 17 years! We leave you in good hands, as all of the staff will be there to continue to provide excellent service, as will the new owner, Dan. I’m sure that there will be changes, but a fresh set of eyes usually leads to positive change. I will still be around, but no matter where I go all of our great customers and their families will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your lives and supporting local businesses. Best of luck to the new owners as they continue to provide excellent care to the NE Portland community. – Shawna
I first heard about Fairley’s in an article in the Willamette Week, The Last Two Drugstore Soda Fountains in Portland. At this point, it’s been around for over 100 years; check out this photo from 1940 of Fairley’s and its neighbors at the time (reminiscing is here).
Fairley’s moved along with the times, adding espresso options to the ice cream dishes available on the menu. Alas, I have not been in to Fairley’s, and really hope they reopen the soda fountain when it’s safe. I think if the new owner, Dan, were to eliminate the soda fountain, there would be a mini rebellion from the neighbors, but stranger things have happened.
Fairley’s Pharmacy and Soda Fountain
7206 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
fairleyspharmacy.com | Facebook | Instagram
Meg Cotner
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Ivedone all my pharmacy needs there since the 70s. You will be missed. Thank you for all the memories
Thanks for covering this! I’ve been wondering for months as I’ve watched the faces change and the shop rearrange.
The person that is at the top of the heap, Daniel Lee, is a really nice guy. I understand with COVID shots/boosters + all the other stuff that’s normal this time of year (flu shots) + needs year-round (insulin, blood pressure meds, cancer drugs) that a lot is going on there. I understand some people are dismayed by the changes and timing adjustments. But I believe the new folks are trying hard to keep the place up and running and for it to remain a beloved part of the neighborhood. I wish them all the best in their efforts.
I live near Gresham Oregon now, but in 1952 I attended 1st grade at Gregory Heights Elementary. Occasionally my older brother would take me to Fairley’s at noon where we spent our lunch money on banana splits! I remember it well! Great place. A few years ago I visited, but they no longer made banana splits!
When I was a teen I was a soda jerk at the full service fountain that Sam Richenstein had installed in his Rexall Drug store that was located in the San Rafael Shopping Center at NE 122nd Ave and San Rafael St in Portland (it was located at the east end of what is now Winco Foods).
When COVID leaves I’ll visit Fairley’s again to see if Dan’s people will make me a banana split! Can’t wait!