TAMPA, Fla. — Benzer Pharmacy this year aims to continue the aggressive growth it achieved last year.

The drug chain said Monday that it opened a new store in Hendersonville, Tenn., expanding its network to more than 50 stores in nine states. That followed several pharmacy openings in Florida during late 2015, including in Tampa along the Dale Mabry highway, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Mount Dora and Miami.

Altogether, Benzer added 20 new pharmacies over the course of 2015, according to president Alpesh Patel. Besides its home state of Florida and Tennessee, Benzer has stores in Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Nevada and Louisiana.

“In 2016, we expect our recent track record and success to continue. We plan to open between 20 and 30 new pharmacies,” Patel said, adding that the company sees significant expansion opportunities in both new and current markets, including Nevada and Texas.

Alpesh Patel

“In addition, through our newly launched Trade Name Use model, we plan to grow to an additional 600 stores,” he said. “The Trade Name Use opportunity is an invitation to independent pharmacies to rebrand to Benzer Pharmacy. It is inevitable that independents need a common identity and platform to leverage their collective strength. Therefore, to thrive amongst big chain pharmacies, independent pharmacy owners need to collaborate under one unique yet individual brand.”

Benzer specializes in compounding, injectable and oral medications, and specialty drugs. Its specialty pharmacy services include medication management programs for people with complex diseases and chronic conditions, including HIV, hepatitis C, dermatological conditions, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cancer.

Along with its patient-centric approach to disease management and the personalized service of its pharmacists, Benzer attributes its swift growth to its package of free home delivery, customized medication packaging, free medication flavoring, online refill services, refill reminders, 90-day prescriptions and e-prescriptions.

“The company’s goal is to create pathways to upward mobility and economic opportunities as we continue to have a positive impact in transforming the lives of our customers, enhancing the health of our community and positively impacting people’s lives,” Patel said.

The company, too, has fostered growth by controlling expenses to a minimum, formalizing internal structures, refining processes and designing new incentives, according to Patel.

“Our successful track record, phenomenal customer satisfaction and a dramatic increasing demand for specialty medications over the past years is fueling our growth in 2016,” he said. “Our chain structure coupled with our independent retail and specialty pharmacy expertise make us a viable option in the communities that we serve.”