News Summary
Arash Kohan, a former head pharmacist at Rite Aid, is launching Crown Coast Pharmacy in Coronado. This initiative responds to the recent closure of Rite Aid, which left local residents without easy access to pharmacy services. The new pharmacy aims to restore vital health resources and support the community’s pharmaceutical needs during challenging times.
Coronado – Former head pharmacist Arash Kohan is set to open a new independent pharmacy named Crown Coast Pharmacy at 928 Orange Avenue. This development comes after the nationwide closure of Rite Aid stores, initiated following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in May 2025. The Rite Aid location in Coronado shut its doors for the last time on July 30, 2025, leaving residents without accessible pharmacy services.
Since the closure of Rite Aid, customers in Coronado have had to rely on CVS, located across the bridge, and Walgreens, which is just a block away. The sudden influx of customers at Walgreens has led to long wait times and overcrowding, particularly affecting seniors and families who rely on prompt access to medications.
Kohan, who worked as the head pharmacist at Rite Aid for over 15 years, expressed deep concern for his community’s ability to access essential medications following the closure of the pharmacy. The emotional toll of the closure extended beyond just customers; for Kohan and his team, the pharmacy was more than just a workplace— it was a community hub where lasting relationships were formed.
When Rite Aid officially closed, the emotional impact on the staff was profound, as many viewed one another as family. Kohan felt a sense of personal loss since he had built significant bonds with his patients over the years. The disruption in service led him to contemplate the need for a new pharmacy, motivated by a desire to maintain those important community connections.
In the midst of these changes, Carrie Duda, a Senior Associate at Cast Capital Partners, highlighted Kohan’s dedication to his clients and his commitment to serving the community. Although initially planning to open the pharmacy with a partner, Kohan had to navigate a shift in his plans when the partnership fell through just prior to signing the lease. This setback prompted him to seek alternative funding avenues for the pharmacy.
To support the establishment of Crown Coast Pharmacy, Kohan launched a GoFundMe campaign, setting a fundraising goal of $40,000. The local community has rallied around the effort, contributing $3,750 as of August 19, 2025, to assist with necessary renovations and compliance costs to open the pharmacy.
Blake Moser from Retail Insite played a crucial role in securing the property for the new pharmacy, emphasizing the importance of selecting a location that offers good visibility and proximity to the community. Several former employees from Rite Aid, including five technicians and two pharmacists, will join Kohan in the new venture, thereby carrying forward the expertise and experience the staff cultivated over the years.
Kohan is currently in the process of finalizing the design, layout, and operational plans for Crown Coast Pharmacy. The anticipated opening of this new establishment aims to restore access to pharmaceutical services in Coronado and reconnect community members with their healthcare providers. The new pharmacy represents not only a business venture but also a crucial development in addressing the healthcare needs that arose after the closure of Rite Aid.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Eagle & Journal
- Coronado Eagle & Journal
- Patch
- Google Search: Crown Coast Pharmacy
- PennLive
- Wikipedia: Rite Aid
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
