By John Balch
News-Leader staff
It seems Power Pharmacy has been around in Nashville forever. It’s actually only been 52 years, but that’s apparently enough for owner Cheryl Power, who announced last week she had made the difficult decision to sell the longtime business.
The new owner is pharmacist Rachel Foshee, 27, who interned at Power while earning her doctorate from UAMS College of Pharmacy and was hired on full-time when she graduated in 2022.
Foshee is married to Logan Foshee, who opened Foshee Equipment Company in Murfreesboro in 2021, and the couple resides in Kirby.
“The decision to sell was not easy, but we believe it was the right time for new leadership and fresh perspectives to continue the legacy we have built over the years,” said Power, who opened the business with her husband and pharmacist Jim Power “next to Walmart Discount City” in what is now South Park Shopping Center.
According to an advertisement in The Nashville News, a grand opening was held for the new business May 11-13, 1972.
Jim Power passed away in August 1995; and, at the time, his wife was unsure the business would continue.
“Being an old school counselor,” Power said she knew not to rush into making such an important decision during such a difficult time.
So, about a year later, Power decided that the community needed the independent pharmacy and she got back to business. (Power worked for 38 years as counselor with the Nashville School District, with 15 years of that time being split between the school and the pharmacy.)
Power’s daughter, Jenny Westbrook, and son, Jason Power, both worked in some capacity at the pharmacy over the years, as has granddaughter, Allie Westbrook, later on.
Foshee said the pharmacy will continue to bear the Power Pharmacy name with all longtime employees to stay onboard, including Kim Raulerson (23 years), Jacque Howard (50 years) and Saundra Fuentes (23 years).
“We are confident that Rachel will bring her passion and commitment to maintaining the high standards of service that you have come to expect from our pharmacy,” said Power.
The transition process has been planned to ensure “minimal disruption to our valued customers” and preservation of the core values and “community-focused” approach that Power called “the foundation of our pharmacy for more than five decades.”
Foshee told the newspaper her mission for the business is to stay
the course with no major changes in order.
“The plan is to keep it the same amazing pharmacy it’s been for the last 52 years,” she said, adding that “having an independent pharmacy is a great thing” and voiced her support and thanks for those who do their business with small, local businesses.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you and all our customers for the trust and support you have shown us throughout these 50 years,” Power said in a Facebook post.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community, and we are confident Power Pharmacy will continue to thrive under its new ownership. We cherish the memories and relationships we have built and look forward to witnessing the continued success of Power Pharmacy.”
