In the busiest shopping area of Yonkers, a new type of business has taken root—The Plant, a sleek and modern dispensary offering premium cannabis products. Strategically situated on Central Avenue across from Party City, The Plant occupies a prime location straddling Yonkers and Scarsdale. Its doors are open to not only Yonkers residents but also cannabis enthusiasts from neighboring municipalities like Scarsdale, Ardsley, Eastchester, and Bronxville (all of whom have opted out of hosting dispensaries), which positions The Plant as a convenient hub for plant lovers throughout the region. I recently sat down with husband and wife owners Anthony and Regina Bannister to learn more about their journey into the legal cannabis industry.
Anthony has deep roots in the legacy market and has been involved with cannabis since he was a teenager. However, it wasn't until he was diagnosed with stomach cancer at age 24 that he truly appreciated the medicinal benefits of the plant. "I started engaging in cannabis at that time," he explained. "I've just been a fan of the plant ever since. I wanted to spread the word and get rid of the stigma of it being such a harmful drug."
Regina came to cannabis differently, initially trying it for menstrual cramps at Anthony's suggestion while they were dating in college. "Since then, it's kind of been helpful for me through [the] pain that I've dealt with. I'd rather go that route instead of just taking pain meds."
When marijuana legalization arrived in New York in 2021, the Bannisters, owners of Smallcakes cupcake bakery and ice cream shop less than a mile away on Central Avenue, seized the opportunity to go all in on their hometown with a cannabis dispensary. This pivotal step had been years in the making through their relationship with cannabis attorney Mitch Kulick, which began fortuitously in 2016. Kulick's daughter was the Bannisters' first employee at Smallcakes, and, recognizing kindred spirits, the two families quickly bonded over their shared appreciation for the plant. -. With Mitch's guidance, the Bannisters set their sights on bringing a legal cannabis haven to Yonkers.
“You have to stay persistent in this game because starting a business in the New York cannabis market is like trying to move at lightning speed while standing in a bowl of quicksand.” - Anthony Bannister
The name and botanical theme of the dispensary stemmed from the Bannisters’ and the Kulicks’ love for the plant itself and to evoke a natural, wellness-focused aesthetic. Regina wanted to avoid the typical "grass wallpaper" look, instead creating a bright, modern space with warm wood tones and shades of green. "We just want to make it an experience...give you some things to see, smell," says Anthony.
They aim to foster community, brought together by high-quality cannabis products. "We want people to connect with cannabis here," Regina states. They hope to destigmatize and demystify the plant while distinguishing themselves from unlicensed smoke shops, focusing on thorough staff training and consumer education.
The Bannisters have big expansion plans, with the current 1,500 square-foot space designed to eventually almost double in size. They aim to be a model that other businesses can replicate across the region as more municipalities open up to legal cannabis operations.
In bringing The Plant to life, Anthony and Regina have woven their unique experiences into an oasis of hospitality and trusted expertise. As the roots spread, their passion for high-quality cannabis and commitment to customer service will be the seeds that fuel future growth.
