In 1977, Richard Backer, R.PH., established the East Side Prescription Center at 632 Hope street in Providence. He renovated the existing pharmacy that had been in existence since the 1930's, expanding and up-dating the facility to incorporate the use of technology into the practice of pharmacy in order to provide superior customer/patient service. He initiated many firsts in community pharmacy at East Side Prescription Center. ESPC was the first retail pharmacy in RI to use a computer in the filling, dispensing, and the management of prescriptions.