Realo: 40 years of service to the Kinston community
Realo Discount Drugs on S. Queen Street in Kinston, has been locally owned and operated since 1982 when the first store was opened in Kinston. Over the next 40 years, Realo Discount Drugs has grown to many stores in towns throughout eastern North Carolina. Robert Bizzell is the founder of Realo Discount Drug Stores.
“I am proud to be affiliated with Realo and what we have meant to this community,” said Hardy Creech, owner of Realo Discount Drugs. “I’m thankful that Rob Bizzell had a dream of owning his own pharmacy. His dream of ownership has allowed me and several of my colleagues to obtain that same dream.”
Realo got its name because it was like Revco. Realo is in the old JC Penny building at 300 N. Queen Street. Creech has been with Realo for 25 years since 1997 and he is grateful that Bizzell had the foresight to keep the pharmacies locally owned.
“I hope we go another 40 years,” said Creech.
Realo plans to continue their strong partnership with local medical institutions to provide services for the community.
“When I came to work here, this was the only location,” said Theresa Taylor, Realo employee of 31 years. “To see it grow like it’s grown to the number of Realos that have come out of this initial start. Seeing the growth has been kind of cool.”
Back row, left to right: Austin Mooring, Allegra Johnson, Jasmin Villalobos. Front row, left to right: Stephanie Hardison, Dana Williams, Hardy Creech. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News.
