Celeste Watts, R.Ph., pharmacy manager for the Etowah, TN Food City Pharmacy is the recipient of the 2017 John McNiel Customer Service Award. 

“Food City is dedicated to providing our loyal customers with exceptional customer service.  We created the John McNiel Award to recognize pharmacists who embody that commitment,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.  “Celeste is devoted to her customers and ensuring they receive the best possible care and service.  She is a tremendous asset, not only to our company, but to the region as a whole, and we certainly congratulate her on this great honor.”  

Each year, Food City recognizes a pharmacist from their two operating divisions for their outstanding customer service achievements.  Watts was named this year’s award recipient for Food City’s Knoxville/Chattanooga Division.  The award was established in honor of John McNiel, Food City’s  first pharmacist.  The company opened their pilot pharmacy location in Harlan, KY in 1997.  McNiel’s huge success, due primarily to his outstanding customer service and care for his patients, led in large part to the company’s expansion of the pharmacy concept.  Today, Food City operates 101 pharmacies throughout their 134 store supermarket chain.    

“Food City is committed to serving the community where I grew up and I’m proud to be able to be a part of that contribution,” says Watts.  “I enjoy using my training to care for my patients, who are like family, having served them over the last 23 years in this same pharmacy location.”

Watts is a graduate of Sanford University.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy and a certification through the American Pharmacists Association in medication therapy management, immunization delivery and diabetes and asthma education.  Watts has been with the company for over 23 years.  Celeste and her husband, Chris currently reside in Etowah, TN.  They are the proud parents of two children, Bryce and Cayleigh.

“At Food City Pharmacy, our mission is to run the best pharmacy in town and Celeste has always exemplified that goal.  She strives to take care of her patients in the most professional and ethical manner possible,” says Mickey Blazer, executive vice president of pharmacy and fuel operations for Food City.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 134 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.