At the recent Council Meeting Dec 17, Council Member Dr.G (Dr. Luis S. González) presented Mr Peter Wissa, of Larson’s Pharmacy, with a “Business Focus” Recognition Award for their successful business operation in the City of Colton. This long-established company originally started in 1957 and has been a mainstay of the Colton downtown business community for 67 years. Mr. Wissa, Lead Pharmacy Technician and Store Manager, has been working side by side for 19 years with the current owner, Mr. Ed Botros, who purchased Larson’s Pharmacy in 2005.
Born in Egypt, both Mr Botros and Mr. Wissa came to the United States at a young age – Mr. Wissa in 1983, and Mr. Botros in 1993. Mr. Botros, the owner, lived in Anaheim and found work at various pharmacies in Anaheim, parts of Orange County and Palm Desert, before deciding to purchase a business of his own. In 2005 that dream became a reality when Mr. Botros learned about an available drug store originally owned by Phillip S. Larson at the corner of La Cadena and West H Street in Colton. That business was called Larson’s Pharmacy and Ed Botros decided to continue with the same name. Mr. Wissa, his business partner, has a Colton connection in that he has lived in Reche Canyon and still attends the St. Mina Coptic Church. The business employs 11 people, all who live in Colton, with the exception of the owner, who still lives in Anaheim.
As part of the presentation, a couple of little-known facts about Larson’s Pharmacy were mentioned. Originally, the business was called Larson’s Drugs and located in the 200 block across the street in the historical Arcade Building. The name was changed in 1960. The second point was that this business won an award by the New York Times as a “new look California Drug Store.” This business certainly has history in our City and Larson’s Pharmacy continues to shine and provide great service to our community.
When asked about what he likes about doing business in the City of Colton, Mr. Wissa quickly responded, “We love the people…they are friendly and they know us.” There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Larson’s Pharmacy is well-known. On any given day, people stop by this convenient location to fill their prescriptions, and pick up an item from their drug store section. They also offer gift items, supplies, refreshments, newspapers, cards, money orders, and lotto. One terrific amenity is their bill pay service, where you can pay your city utility bill, among several others.
Mr. Peter Wissa, along with the owner Ed Botros, are to be congratulated for their success as a downtown business in Colton for 19 years. We certainly look forward to celebrating with them next year for their 20-year anniversary, and we truly hope that they will continue their successful business for years to come. With this presentation, they are formally recognized for their hard work, great customer service, and excellent reputation, as well as making a valuable contribution to our community and to our local economy.