The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for FZ Webb Pharmacy’s new South Congress Boulevard location. The timing was such as the store's old-fashioned soda fountain is now open for business inside the pharmacy as well.

Owner Alan Webb remembered when there used to be the same type of soda fountain in the business' downtown location, but it had been 25 years since it provided a similar service. Now, DeKalb County residents can relax and enjoy a root beer float made to order from the fountain when waiting on a prescription or just stop by for a meal.

“Everybody’s really excited that it’s here,” said Manager Leslie Little. “It’s another place for them to come and eat. It brings back the memories and nostalgia of the old soda fountain when it was open. It’s bringing the old and the new … it’s really a great place for people to gather.”

As far as pharmacies go, established in 1881 on the square, FZ Webb is the oldest pharmacy in the state and has been family owned the entire time. After it was started by FZ Webb, Norval F. Webb Sr. took over, then Norval F. Webb Jr., then Alan Webb.

“I’m the original soda jerk,” Webb said, after the move to Broad Street. “I’m the only one who remembers doing that.”

From the old-fashioned Thomas Edison light bulbs above the counter, to the new LEDs in the shopping area, FC Webb & Sons Pharmacy offers the best of both worlds.

The new pharmacy is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The phone number is 615-597-4185.