o........n

5 STAR establishment!!!! As the novelty of legalization wanes for us residents, it’s clear to me that this industry is fast becoming much more of a service offering than a good/commodity business. There’s no shortage of dispensaries in town so how does one differentiate? For me, it’s clear when I go into shops whether they value service or if they are simply trying to push their product. There’s nothing wrong with the latter, but when a shop stands out to me, it always because of their service. This place has all the hallmarks of a top-level shop so I’ll go through a few of those reasons here. Location: for the Hazelwood/Gateway area, this is easily accessible between the two main one-ways that run Halsey and Weidler with entrances on both sides. Curb appeal: Cool signage and it’s an old bank! I understand that they intend to establish the necessary permits to start using the drive-through at some point, certainly making it a unique spot among other shops. The outside is clean and well-lit with ample parking. There are entrances on both sides of the building making access simple. Interior aesthetics: Good lighting with a simple entry point. There is ample space to accommodate many guests both while waiting and inside. Once inside it gets really COOL! They have large flatscreens up that show their offerings sorted by major strain (Indica, Sativa or hybrid), each strain has THC/CDB percentages listed as well as price by different quantities. So immediately you can start browsing for what you need even if all the bud-tenders happen to be busy at the moment. They also have a section for edibles, pre-rolled, paraphernalia and other supplies including but not limited to: glass, papers, pipes and a bunch of other swag. Staff: The staff are TOP OF LINE. Super knowledgeable, super friendly, willing to help and talk as much about the strains as about anything else. They welcome you and check in even if they are all busy. It’s important to feel acknowledged in any service business so you know that even if more folks come in, you don’t have to worry about saving your spot so you’re up next. You can tell when you’re in any kind of business and the person selling to you uses the product as well, and stands behind it. They have an excellent sense of whether you need a deep explanation or just a quick stop-by, so you’re not sitting there saying “uh huh…. Uh huh….. uh huh” while they talk your ear off about how much they know (this isn’t a harsh on other places, but as service goes, this amounts to reading your customer and responding appropriately, a hallmark of any proper service establishment.) You can look, smell and scrutinize as much as you want. They know their shit, and it shows. Ownership: The owner is a cool dude! Always there when I’ve been, super happy to be doing something he loves, willing to get to know you and happy to help. It’s clear he values his customers and wants feedback as well as offering a connection between the customer and the seller. Very personable and very appreciated! He remembers your face and is always welcoming. Selection: Excellent. Bottom line. All nicely trimmed nugs, nice specimens throughout and they do an excellent job at picking out the choiceys just for you. Plenty of variety not only in number of strains, but difference in THC/CBD content. Part of the service side of this business is knowing that not everyone out there wants the highest percentage possible and to get stoned af all the time. We got jobs and shit to do and sometimes if you just need a good errand-running toke, something in the high percentage range is gonna kill your day. It’s important to cater to every type of customer and their selection speaks to that. Bottom line: In a rapidly growing and ever evolving service-based industry, these folks are a clear stand out for me. I would go out of my way to shop here to make sure they enjoy a strong, healthy and long-lasting business, and feel like they have spot in our neighborhood. THANK YOU FOLKS for doing it RIGHT! Me: just a local dude that lives down the street and loves this neighborhood as well as my smoke 😊 Cheers!