GENOVESE was formerly a big name in the pharmacy world, operating over 100 drugstores in the NY metropolitan area. The company was founded by Joseph Genovese in Astoria in 1924, and later expanded. by his sons Joseph Jr. and Leonard. Joseph Jr. predeceased his father by three years in 1975. After several years in Long Island, the chain finally opened a Manhattan location, in 1993, the same year it opened its 100th store. While Genovese was acquired by JC Penney, which operated drugstores under the Eckerd name, in 1998, it continued to operate some locations under the Genovese name until 2003. Finally, in 2006, Eckered was acquired by Rite Aid, which itself filed for bankruptcy in 2023, but has survived.
This impressive apartment building with two arched doorways on Steinway Street between 23rd Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard boasts a flagpole and several storefronts. “Genovese Bros., Inc. is emblazoned at the roofline. I am unsure if this building is where the company was founded, or if a Genovese drugstore was formerly in one of the storefonts.
{See Comments for more info on this location.]
As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site. Take a look at the new JOBS link in the red toolbar at the top of the page on the desktop version, as I also get a small payment when you view a job via that link.
10/3/24
4 comments
I’ve heard that the location at 31-10 30th Ave. (Formerly Grand Ave.) in Astoria was the flagship location.
Pictured here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2171912702940423&id=233644886767224&set=a.233931946738518
There is another page out there that states the same address, but shows a different location on 3oth Ave. that was a Genovese at one time.
When I lived in Astoria in the late 70’s/early 80’s, the 30th Ave. location was in yet another building (Actually, I think it was on Newtown Ave. just before it intersects with 30th Ave.)
Apparently, they moved around on 30th Ave a lot! (All three locations mentioned above were within a block of each other).
Maybe the Steinway location was built after their initial success, with business office above?
Based on a newspaper archives search these Genovese Brothers were a plumbing & heating concern.
Makes sense- ’cause why would the old man put “Genovese Bros” on the building, when his kids likely weren’t even born when that building was constructed? There were a lot of “Genovese’s” around the NY area. I remember seeing Genovese oil trucks when I was a kid on Long Island……
I live across the street, it has no relation to the drug store chain, and ever has. It is now an auto parts store.