About Ordway

Ordway Drugs and Medical Supplies is one of Monterey’s oldest operating businesses. At the beginning of the 20th century, Frank L. Ordway commissioned noted architect, W.M. Weeks to design an office building with retail space on the groundfloor, located at the corner of Alvarado and Franklin Streets in the downtown area. The building was completed in 1903, and Ordway’s Pharmacy opened in July of 1904. At the time, Ordway’s was one of five pharmacies in the downtown area, offering prescriptions, sporting goods, curios, cameras, and cigars to residents and visitors.
Mr.. Ordway passed away in 1909, but his widow and daughter continued to own and operate the business until 1927. As other downtown pharmacies closed, Ordway’s continued to prosper under new local ownership and management. Over the years the store has remained local hands, making it one of the only locally owned and independent pharmacies remaining in California.

In 1991, long-time owners Jerry Abbanat, Jack Valenti and Vince Cardinale decided to expand their operation and moved from their original location to the corner of Alvarado and Pearl Streets where the store now is located The new facility tripled their size and gave them the ability to offer more specialized items and services such as medical equipment and supplies, and their state-of-the-art compounding laboratory.

Mr. Abbanat and Mr. Valenti sold their shares of the business to Mr. Cardinale in 1992. But, you still see all three filling prescriptions and advising patients and customers from behind the pharmacy counter. Their commitment and expertise, along with the entire Ordway staff is why for over a