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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from across the tri-state area. In addition to this update from East Dubuque, Ill., we will share other developments in Wednesday’s edition.
EAST DUBUQUE, Ill. — Bridge City Collective is hosting a grand opening for its East Dubuque dispensary this weekend.
The dispensary, at 122 Sinsinawa Ave., will offer a wide range of cannabis products, such as flower, edibles, vaporizers, topicals and THC soda.
Bridge City Collective President David Alport said the dispensary is large enough to accommodate busy crowds. He said a majority of the planned 25 staff members have already been hired.
“It’s spacious and we have a lot of staff to help people,” Alport said.
Alport said Bridge City Collective’s penchant for craft cannabis — which he compared to craft beer for its production in smaller batches and higher quality — helps it stand out.
Aside from cannabis products, accessories also will be sold.
“We have some really cool East Dubuque shirts,” Alport said.
There will also be an outdoor communal space adjacent to the dispensary, to which the company will add greenery, a water feature and benches when the weather warms up, Alport said.
This addition, and generally setting up in downtown East Dubuque, came with a larger goal. Alport said his company hopes to help the community thrive.
“We saw that … as a way to stimulate investment and revitalize that downtown core area,” he said.
The dispensary will have discounts for educators and for customers aged 60 and older, Alport said, as well as a rewards program.
The Saturday, March 8, grand opening will include discounts of up to 50% and, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., additional deals and giveaways, pop-ups with product vendors and complimentary food from local food truck The Hangry Hobo while supplies last.
A portion of the day’s sales — up to $1,000 — will go to East Dubuque Greater Events (EDGE) Foundation and local American Legion Post 787.
“We’re just excited to be there and serve the community,” Alport said. “We’re ready.”
Bridge City Collective was formed in 2010 in Oregon and now bills itself as a “coast-to-coast fellowship of cannabis operators, educators, activists and innovators,” per its website.
Bridge City Collective Dispensary East Dubuque will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. More information is available at bridgecitycollective.com/east-dubuque-dispensary/.