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Walter King recently opened the doors to Kings House of Fire in Cortlandt Manor, NY, and it's already creating quite a buzz. This isn't your average dispensary - it's a testament to King's journey from basketball courts to cannabis connoisseurship.
King's fascination with the cannabis industry began during his college days. As a former Division I basketball player, he was more interested in studying state cannabis laws than celebrating post-game. This early passion led him on a cross-country cannabis adventure, from the laid-back vibes of California to the green hills of Oregon, all while waiting for New York to join the legalization party.
"Growing up in my early college days, I was always infatuated with the cannabis industry, but always from a business perspective and not so much from a user perspective."
Talk about a slam dunk in real estate! Kings House of Fire found its home in the exact spot where King's previous venture, Kings and Queens Fun Place, once stood. It's a location so perfect, it's almost comical. Just a few steps in either direction would have put the dispensary too close to a school or a park. Talk about threading the needle!
King's vision for his dispensary? Think Louis Vuitton meets your friendly neighborhood cannabis shop. It's high-end without the high prices, offering top-shelf products that won't break the bank. And the selection process? It's like cannabis Olympics, with regular and master budtenders testing and voting on what makes the cut.
"Think of it like the Louis Vuitton store for purchasing cannabis, but not the high prices that are in Louis Vuitton because we do have the best prices in the area."
But Kings House of Fire isn't just about selling products - it's about cultivating community. King proudly supports local producers, stocking Hudson Valley brands like Gazoont and Hepworth. He's also big on education, helping customers navigate the transition from the legacy market to legal dispensaries. It's like a cannabis classroom, minus the boring lectures.
Despite the challenges of opening a cannabis business in a newly legalized market, King's optimism is as high as... well, you know. He sees his dispensary as more than just a business - it's a community hub, a relationship builder, and a driving force in reshaping the cannabis landscape in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
"I just want all my customers to know that they're heard, their opinions valued, and I'm gonna do my best to make sure that they remain a customer."
Looking ahead, King dreams of spreading the Kings House of Fire experience throughout the Hudson Valley. For now, he recommends first-time visitors try the MFNY pre-rolls or any of Dank's flower products. It's clear that Kings House of Fire is more than just a dispensary - it's a royal experience in the world of cannabis.
"I hope everyone could just get to experience Kings House of Fire at least one time."
So, whether you're a cannabis connoisseur or just cannabis curious, Kings House of Fire is ready to roll out the green carpet for you. After all, in the kingdom of cannabis, everyone's welcome to feel like royalty.
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