LIVING HISTORY
the soda fountain and utilized the space to stock uniquely
Florida souvenirs and beach accessories. And this has been
carried on through the generations.
CARRYING ON FAMILY LEGACY
Corey’s grandson, Dr. Mark Corey Frankenberger, really
never wanted to be anything other than a pharmacist. As a
child who had trouble pronouncing the letter L, he would say
he wanted “to be just like Grandpa Gook,” laughed Dawson,
Frankenberger’s mother. “He started working in the store
along with my mom and dad when he was about 10. He’d
sweep the floor, ring up customers and deliver their prescriptions
and sundries on his bicycle.”
Frankenberger attended the University of Florida where
he earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Even though he was
offered a teaching job at the college and courted by several
corporate pharmacies, Frankenberger chose to return to his
hometown and take over the family business.
“I love the personal interaction and flexibility of being an
independent pharmacist,” Frankenberger said. “You can’t offer
the same quality of service working at a big-box pharmacy.
I grew up with a lot of the families that have been coming
here for generations and pretty much know what they need
when the phone rings. I’m still happy to help some of my
elderly clientele sort out and schedule their pills and always
willing to answer any question they may have.”
Frankenberger loves to make holidays fun for his customers.
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Every Halloween, the staff dresses up in elaborate
Halloween costumes, usually with a common theme. Where
else could you get your prescription filled by the Mad Hatter?
And he’s always supporting community events and is often
seen passing out drinks to 5K runners in front of his store.
Corey’s Pharmacy may be the smallest pharmacy in Vero
Beach, but it’s literally packed with unique items you won’t
find elsewhere. In addition to the full line of sundries, you’ll
find seashells, starfish and ocean inspired jewelry crafted
from shells, sea glass and stamped silver treasure coins.
There’s quality beach apparel, boogie boards, flip-flops, kids
toys and a travel aisle offering everything from scented soaps
to specialty cosmetics.
Even the greeting card selection has a Florida feel and the
collectible Vero Beach Christmas ornaments will be arriving
soon. You’ll find whatever treasure you’re looking for tucked
in the nooks and crannies of this historic drug store.
Next time you stop by Corey’s be sure to strike up a conversation
with Frankenberger and his staff, and listen closely
to the whisper in the walls. Oh, the stories they can tell.
COREY’S
Luke Corey was trusted with secrets shared at the lunch counter.
ANTHONY INSWASTY
Frankenberger fills his grandfather’s shoes as trusted pharmacist and proprietor
of the business that started in 1956.
COREY’S
The iconic soda fountain counter was where stories were shared.