Kramer Drug Store, in Downtown Ottawa, changed ownership in June when it was purchased by Mike Burns of Auburn Pharmacy. At a recent Chamber Coffee, Burns was introduced to Ottawa and told a little bit about himself and his business model.
Originally owned by George Kramer, George sold to Gene Milburn who owned the local downtown pharmacy for many years. In 2018, Gene sold the business to Robb and Meredith Rosenbaum, who also owned a local drug store in Concordia.
Auburn Pharmacy now owns more than 30 pharmacies in multiple Kansas and Missouri locations. Interestingly, Burns bought his first pharmacy in Garnett after being encouraged by George Kramer and now the company has a niche market for hometown pharmacies in smaller communities. Burns says he hasn’t decided whether to change the name or leave it Kramer’s; but, as everything is working just fine, no name change is coming soon.
Kramer’s is the longest serving pharmacy in Ottawa. In 1866, a man named Adam Dobson, the first druggist in Ottawa, built the first drug store in the city, right where the store is today. There has been a drug store at that location ever since. In 1950 it was purchased by Bud Kramer and renamed Kramer Drug Store.
