Recent rumors that CVS Pharmacy is replacing Molly’s have turned out to be false.

Managers of Molly’s, 1022 W. Lincoln Highway, assure that they will remain.

“We are not going anywhere,” said manager Steve Shaffer. “We are going to be celebrating our 20th anniversary in midsummer.”

Molly’s also recently received new owners, Tom Murphy and Associates, who are working on improving the establishment.

The new owners are updating and revamping the kitchen and bar, said general manager Scott Behnke.

“We are looking to reopen the kitchen in the beginning of February with a new and exciting menu,” Behnke said.

Although CVS Pharmacy is not replacing Molly’s, there is still a possibility that a CVS Pharmacy might come to DeKalb.

“[The] shopping center [at the southeast corner of Annie Glidden Road and Lincoln Highway] was recently sold and purchased by another developing company who buys and refurbishes shopping centers,” said Paul Rasmussen, DeKalb economic development administrator.

Rasmussen said he has attempted to attract CVS Pharmacy for the last three years, but they had indicated interest in finding an appropriate location in DeKalb as close to the university as possible.

Although Rasmussen said he had no knowledge that CVS Pharmacy is coming to DeKalb, he said the rumor could be true.

“You are really starting to see a positive change in the retail mix starting at Annie Glidden and Lincoln Highway working down toward the Kishwaukee River,” Rasmussen said.

“Many of the new stores coming in are especially geared toward meeting the needs of NIU students and faculty.”

Examples of such stores that Rasmussen listed were Potbelly’s, Panda Express and Starbucks.

“You should expect to see additional retail development occurring from the Kishwaukee River on Lincoln Highway toward the traditional downtown on 1st Street over the next few years,” Rasmussen said.