GREENFIELD — A New York-based business has purchased the storefronts on Main Street formerly occupied by Country Jeweler and Greenfield Games with the intention of opening a retail marijuana shop.
Buudda Brothers co-owners Justin Pagan and John Toro, who have two facilities in Holyoke, said they discovered the property at 220 to 228 Main St. through their Realtor.
“When we went there, we just saw the possibilities — the numerous possibilities,” Toro said. “I’ve seen the Main Street, I’ve seen the businesses, and I’ve heard there’s a lot of people always on Main Street.”
Toro said Buudda Brothers held a community outreach meeting on June 16, during which the primary concern was the exterior appearance.
“Nobody had an issue with what we were bring to the city,” Pagan said. “They wanted us to have a great exterior. They want our space to pop … so when you come down Main Street, you see the facility.”
The business received its host community agreement from the city, allowing it to move forward with its license application with the state Cannabis Control Commission. In the meantime, it will begin the process of seeking the necessary local permits.
Toro said when he and Pagan were first considering the site, it had more square footage than what they’d had in mind.
“It gave us the opportunity to think bigger,” Toro said. “We’re still having that conversation as far as what else we can do. Our goal is first and foremost a retail location on Main Street.”
Pagan said he and Toro hope to bring a little “New York flavor” to Greenfield.
Toro emphasized that the business is in the “very early stages,” and that he and Pagan are looking at a pretty lengthy journey.
“But we’re there, and we’re ready,” Toro said, noting that, if all goes as planned, they hope to be ready to open by May 2022.
Pagan added that, in terms of a timeline, he hopes to be operational in the Main Street location sooner rather than later.
“We’re young, we’re ambitious and we’re very motivated,” he said. “Once we get going, we want to take off.”
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne