The New York cannabis retail market opened in 2022 – and then exploded. According to its annual report, released at the beginning of this year, the state’s Office of Cannabis Management has generated more than $1 billion in total revenue and issued over 5,000 licenses, permits and registrations. To stay competitive in such a booming field, it takes expertise in the retail sector, combined with extensive product knowledge – and a dash of that special something. At Valley Greens on Central Avenue in Peekskill, customers feel like pampered guests, thanks to a boutique retail model that prioritizes hospitality over mere commerce.
“Working in restaurants translates directly to my job here,” budtender Griff Grant notes. “From putting in orders to describing flavor profiles, I’m catering to the customer’s needs.” Griff, who spent 15 years in the food service industry, in roles from busboy to general manager, attributes his success at Valley Greens to that bustling environment. “One of the best experiences of being a part of the cannabis industry is being able to see people from all walks of life share a common interest. Regardless of age, race, culture, sexual identity or preference, we can all get together and embrace the benefits of cannabis in a multitude of ways.” To Griff, Valley Greens is one big dining room table.
“Yeah, I go from suggesting wine pairings to bong pairings!” echoes Griff’s colleague Seth Marks with a laugh. Seth, who currently waits tables in addition to his budtender duties, isn’t joking: he enjoys suggesting personalized combinations of consumption methods, such as tincture plus edible, to deliver consummate results. He adds, “I’m also constantly fielding questions about allergies, flavor profiles, gluten-free and vegan choices: these concerns are just as important to know here as in a restaurant.” The menu might be slightly different, but these budtenders have “no reservations” about serving up a dash of well-seasoned hospitality.
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