ennessee’s oldest family-run, independent pharmacy is taking up roots and replanting them in a new location.

F.Z. Webb & Sons Pharmacy, established in 1881, will soon be relocating its downtown business to Highway 56 South in the former location of Big Bounce and Family Dollar. In an attempt to better accommodate its customers, the drug store will be expanding which will enable them to provide more services and be more efficient.

"We are moving and expanding," Alan Webb told the Smithville Review.

Webb, owner of the pharmacy said his son-in-law Justin Hooper has joined him in business.

"My new son-in-law, Justin Hooper who is also a pharmacist, is buying into the store, and we will be partners. The pharmacy will be owned by me and my wife Lora along with Justin and his wife, our daughter Martha, creating a fifth generation of ownership to Webb’s Drug Store," Alan continued.

Justin graduated from DeKalb County High School in 2006 and earned his doctorate of pharmacy degree in 2014. He and Martha, still newly-weds, were married in June 2016.

"It’s good to be back in my home town and able to serve our local community," Justin said.

"We’re excited about the new location and all it has to offer.

"Right now we have limited space, where in the new pharmacy, which has more room, we can be more efficient able to fill prescriptions faster. We can have them filled within 10 minutes."

In addition to a larger space, a drive-thru window and more parking, the drug store will also bring back the soda fountain, a favorite from the past.

"Everyone really missed it when we took it out," said Alan "so we wanted to bring it back. We’ll also have a coffee bar with various coffee choices. In addition to the soda fountain we will also offer some new things in the store including various gift items."

With the blueprints ready to approve last Thursday, construction and remodeling will begin very soon on the new location. It is expected to re-open at the new location in late May or early June.

F. Z. Webb & Sons Pharmacy was founded in 1881 and in addition to its Smithville location, has locations in Alexandria and McMinnville.

"We appreciate our loyal customers and the families we have served for generations and hope you will continue to patronize us. We also hope to make new friends and customers," Webb added.

F. Z. Webb & Sons Gifts, operated by Webb’s sister Annette Greek, will remain in operation downtown on the public square.