Hook's Drug Stores
| Company type | Private (historically) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail pharmacy |
| Founded | 1 January 1900 in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Founder | John A. Hook |
| Fate | Acquired by Revco in 1994; later absorbed into CVS |
| Headquarters | Indianapolis (originally), later Cincinnati and Twinsburg , United States |
Area served | Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and New England (via Brooks Pharmacy) |
Key people | John A. Hook (founder), Edward F. Roesch (president), August F. "Bud" Hook (chairman) |
| Products | Pharmacy and retail drugstore products; Convalescent Aid Centers; medical equipment (Hook's Oxygen and Medical Equipment) |
| Parent | Kroger (1985–1986), independent (1987–1994), Revco (1994–1997), CVS (after 1997) |
Hook's Drug Stores originated in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1900, founded by businessman John A. Hook. The chain grew extensively throughout central Indiana, operating under its original name locally, while using the SupeRX Drug Stores brand in markets beyond its primary area. After acquiring the New England-based Brooks Pharmacy chain, it also operated stores under that banner. Eventually, Midwestern rival Revco purchased the company. Following CVS's acquisition of Revco, most former Hook's locations transitioned into CVS outlets. Meanwhile, Brooks Pharmacy stores were sold off and largely rebranded as Rite Aid.
Hook's Drug
The inaugural Hook's Drug Store was launched in Indianapolis by John A. Hook in 1900, expanding to a dozen locations by 1912. Edward F. Roesch, initially brought on to oversee operations, succeeded Hook as company president in 1943 after Hook's passing. Following Roesch’s death in 1956, leadership passed to August F. "Bud" Hook, John Hook’s son, who later became chairman in 1972. Edward J.F. Roesch, son of Edward F., held roles as vice president and board member for many years.
Between 1946 and 1972, the company undertook a significant modernization effort, replacing nearly all its stores with 150 contemporary outlets. The corporate headquarters moved to Indianapolis in 1963. By 1978, Hook's operated 250 stores across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. By 1982, it ranked 14th nationally in store count and 19th based on sales revenue.
Beyond retail pharmacies, Hook's introduced a series of Convalescent Aid Centers beginning in 1977, expanding to 30 facilities by 1994.
This deliberate growth and diversification strategy helped establish Hook's as a major regional player with a solid market presence before its eventual acquisition.
Hook's-SupeRx
In 1985, facing a potential takeover by Rite Aid, Hook's was acquired by Kroger for roughly $160 million in cash and stock. Kroger had been involved in the drugstore sector since 1960 and had launched the SupeRx Drugs brand shortly thereafter. By 1969, Kroger operated 361 drugstores across 23 states. The purchase of Hook's aimed to bolster Kroger’s pharmacy division.
However, within a year Kroger began restructuring and divesting its drugstore assets, which included 540 SupeRx and 330 Hook's locations. In December 1986, an investment group acquired 662 Hook’s and SupeRx stores through a leveraged buyout. Additional outlets were sold to Medicare-Glaser and Rite Aid. By early 1987, Kroger completed its exit from the drugstore business by selling the remaining 48 SupeRx stores to the former chain president, who established the privately held Hook's-SupeRx. Operations were relocated from Indianapolis to Cincinnati.
Hook's-SupeRx continued expansion by acquiring New England’s Brooks Pharmacy in 1988, operating three distinct brands: Hook's Drug and SupeRx in the Midwest and Brooks Pharmacy in New England. In 1992, after completing an initial public offering (IPO), Hook-SupeRx severed its supplier ties with Kroger. At that point, it managed around 400 drugstores across Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky.
Acquisition by Revco
In 1994, Revco purchased Hook's-SupeRx for $600 million. This acquisition, which included 1,150 stores, effectively doubled Revco's footprint, extended its reach into 13 more states, and elevated it to the position of the second largest drugstore chain nationwide. In Indiana, stores continued operating under the Hook's name, whereas 221 Brooks Pharmacy outlets in New England were divested to Jean Coutu Group. Locations in Michigan and the Chicago region were sold off, with the rest being rebranded as Revco stores. After the acquisition, Revco shifted the Hook's-SupeRx headquarters from Cincinnati to Twinsburg.
Three years later, in 1997, CVS acquired Revco through a stock transaction valued at $2.8 billion. Numerous former Hook's sites now function as CVS Pharmacies, although the Hook's-SuperRx brand name remained in internal use for a period following the transition.
Hook's Historical Drugstore Museum
To celebrate Indiana’s sesquicentennial in August 1966, the company inaugurated a museum dedicated to its historical drugstore heritage. Situated at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, this preserved 19th-century Hook's drugstore stands as a prominent feature during the annual Indiana State Fair. The original establishment, constructed in 1849, houses genuine 19th-century cabinetry and the initial store fixtures from Hook's first location. Originally intended as a temporary three-month exhibit, it became a permanent installation with the addition of a soda fountain service in 1971. Hook's managed the museum until its 1994 sale to Revco, after which stewardship was transferred to a nonprofit entity.
Hook's Oxygen and Medical Equipment
Post-acquisition by Revco, many former Hook's Oxygen and Medical Equipment outlets continued operating under the Hook's brand at several previous sites. This segment eventually became part of Rotech Medical Corporation as a subsidiary.
Hook's Apothecary
In 1999, descendants of John A. Hook established Hook's Apothecary in Evansville, Indiana, focusing on prescription compounding services. This enterprise functions independently and maintains no corporate affiliation with CVS.