<![CDATA[VDR - IN THE COMMUNITY]]>

<![CDATA[VDR - IN THE COMMUNITY]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:29:04 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Inside the Best-Rated Dispensary in Illinois (2025)]]>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 02:47:43 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/inside-the-best-rated-dispensary-in-illinois-2025

Ask any regular at an Illinois dispensary about their favorite spot, and Ivy Hall Dispensary’s name consistently comes up. That’s especially true for their Bucktown location, which transformed a high-end fashion boutique into Illinois’ first “sensory” cannabis dispensary.

Locals love these dispensaries for three main reasons: the store design feels more like luxury retail than your typical weed dispensary, there’s exclusive access to products before anyone else, and the customer service experience is always positive.

With ten locations across the state and Google ratings hovering near perfect scores, Ivy Hall Dispensary might just be the best dispensary in Illinois. Here’s what to expect.

Key Takeaways

All ten Ivy Hall locations have 4.8+ star Google ratings with thousands of reviews
A former Marc Jacobs boutique was transformed into an Ivy Hall Dispensary in Bucktown, and still maintains its luxe retail feel
Exclusive Limelight 3G disposables (85%+ THC) available at all locations for $89
Charter Club loyalty program offers up to 25% discounts, plus concert tickets and exclusive dinners
Community involvement includes the world’s largest infused pizza and Chicago sports partnerships
Medical cannabis patients receive 25% off daily

Why Ivy Hall Dispensary is the Best-Rated in Illinois.... Click Here For Full Article

]]><![CDATA[VDR Partners with Niksen Cannabis on Elk Grove Development]]>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:56:28 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/vdr-partners-with-niksen-cannabis-on-elk-grove-development

VDR is proud to be working on a major development operation in the Elk Grove area, teaming up with Niksen Cannabis to create a project that will open up major opportunities for the new, emerging company.

Jake Stegenga, a leader with Niksen Cannabis who is helping lead the business efforts, says the project is going to be a 30,000 square foot facility that will help their customers and clients have the best experience possible.

“This is incredible,” Stegenga said. “We’re super excited. We’re a family-owned business out of Colorado, and we’ve been in the industry now for five or six years commercially. We’ve put together a team of people who are truly cannabis enthusiasts, specifically when it comes to the cultivation and raw flower side of things.

“We kept this really small — 30,000 square feet — for a reason. We want to be able to touch every plant daily. We’re not big on complete automation. It just leads to the standard, same product over and over again. We aren’t going to use any machine processing. Everything is going to be processed, packaged and trimmed by hand.”

The small, family feel that Niksen Cannabis aims for is the exact reason why Stegenga says he’s excited to work with VDR.

VDR is overseeing, managing and building out the Elk Grove project, developing each inch to the specifications and desires of Niksen’s project.

That personal touch in the process, Stegenga says, has been a difference-maker.

“When you have a close, tight-knit family like VDR, there’s more responsiveness,” he said. “You get a better product. And you get people who really, really care about what they are doing on a daily basis.”

Photo updates on the project’s progression can be found here.

For more information on the type of work VDR is doing in the development space, visit our website and contact us for more information.

]]><![CDATA[VDR Joins Verano in Pioneering Bodega-Style Dispensaries]]>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 23:59:59 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/vdr-joins-verano-in-pioneering-bodega-style-dispensaries

VDR’s expertise and customer-friendly design work has been fine-tuned for years, and it continues to be a massive part in major organizations' plans for the future.

Within the last few weeks, both Forbes and Bloomberg spotlighted Verano, a state-of-the-art multistate cannabis operator in the United States, and its latest push to bring their services to customers in a quick, easy and efficient process.

Right alongside them, VDR is helping to create that customer-friendly experience.

“It is a privilege to be working alongside Verano to create stores that appeal to customers and make it easy for these operations to thrive," Johnny Dzialo, SR PROJECT MANAGER. “What we care most about at VDR is being involved in the journey with those we work alongside. We aren’t just a ‘get in and get out’ type of operation. We are a family-built company, and that’s what we do with every bit of our process — care for each project for our family members to provide the best experience possible for everyone who sees and experiences our work.”

Verano is about to unveil a bodega-style dispensary at its Zen Leaf location in Phoenix-Cave Creek, as spotlighted recently in this Forbes article.

A rendering of the new bodega-style store shows the VDR-style design work, which shines in Zen Leaf stores across the country.

“Our design and interior work is unique to us, and it’s unique to the vibe we create for customer experience,” Vince Ramos, PRINCIPAL OWNER. “When we work with our business partners, we sit down to carefully craft the design, vibe and feel they want their customers and clients to feel. For us, excellence is in the craftsmanship, but it’s also in the feel of the space. Our commitment to excellence doesn’t end with the work we do, but the spaces and atmospheres we create.”

In Bloomberg’s recent piece, the outlet outlines the goals of the newest Verano/ZenLeaf operations:

At Verano’s new Zen Leaf store, which is scheduled to open on June 27, customers can scan their ID upon entry, pick up a basket and grab products for purchase directly off the shelf. While staff are on hand to greet customers and help as needed, shoppers don’t need their assistance if they already know what they’re looking for or would rather browse for edibles, flower, vapes or other products on their own.

“This allows customers to shop the way they would anywhere else,” said Robert Cohen, Verano’s executive vice president of retail strategy. “It should be as simple and easy as buying produce.”

From easy-to-navigate interior design, to quality shelving, cabinetry and accent work, VDR has taken a top-to-bottom approach to making sure the best of the best is selected and installed for projects like Verano’s bodega-style dispensary.

For more information on the type of work VDR is doing in the development space, visit our website and contact us for more information.

]]><![CDATA[Zen Leaf Dispensary opens new location in Enfield]]>Wed, 28 May 2025 23:09:22 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/zen-leaf-dispensary-opens-new-location-in-enfield

by: Beck Wehner

ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP) – Zen Leaf Dispensary opened its seventh Connecticut location in Enfield, hosting a grand opening celebration throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

The new dispensary is located adjacent to the Enfield Square Mall at 98 Elm Street, arriving just ahead of the Enfield Marketplace redevelopment project. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting was held on Friday to commemorate the addition of a new business in the community.

Parent company Verano operates six other Zen Leaf locations in Connecticut, as well as the 217,000 square foot CTPharma cultivation and processing facility in Rocky Hill, where a variety of cannabis products are produced for the region.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests at Zen Leaf, and share in the local community’s enthusiasm as Enfield prepares to turn the page on an exciting new chapter with the transformational $250 million redevelopment of Enfield Square Mall into Enfield Marketplace,” said George Archos, Verano founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to the entire community, including the village leadership and many organizations we have had the pleasure partnering with as we plant roots for a bright future together in Enfield for years to come.”

Throughout the weekend, DJ Bic IC will be spinning tunes at the dispensary for guests to enjoy. On Friday, visitors received complimentary meals from Pangea’s Tacos, Burgers and Wraps, and coffee and drinks will be available on Saturday from Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck.

To emphasize community support, Verano also donated critical funds to the Thompsonville Fire Department to purchase a year’s supply of Narcan to continue providing lifesaving care for local victims of the opioid crisis. Other local organizations are also receiving support from Verano, including Enfield Loaves and Fishes and Enfield Food Shelf.

]]><![CDATA[Demolition begins on parts of Royal Palm Square in Fort Myers]]>Wed, 21 May 2025 14:49:15 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/demolition-begins-on-parts-of-royal-palm-square-in-fort-myersBy David Dorsey Gulf Shore Business

Photo Credit: David Dorsey; LSI Companies Inc.

Almost three years after buying Royal Palm Square and then waiting for existing leases to expire, Alessio Cos. made its first major move in transforming the 14-acre site between Colonial and Royal Palm Square boulevards in Fort Myers.

Alessio began demolishing several of the buildings for what company President Michael Alessio is calling phase one of a multiphase project that will transform the former shopping center and retail area into a walkable community with apartments, restaurants, medical space and more.

“It will include approximately 300 multifamily units, a 130-key hotel, 20,000 to 40,000 square feet of medical office and approximately 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of ground floor retail and second-story retail,” said Justin Thibaut, CEO of LSI Companies. “What that means, is that we’re going to have a lot of walkability within that community.”

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre can remain in place through at least 2033. The buildings facing Colonial adjacent to Broadway Palm will continue to house The Salon Professional Academy and Omni Health Club until phase two begins. Omni will move into a new space as part of phase one.

“Again, this is a wellness-focused, redevelopment,” Thibaut said. “That’s going to include healthy eating and restaurants. The Omni gym will expand and occupy about 10,000 square feet within phase one.

“Right now, the Omni is there and operating. And it’s got a great base. The Omni is ready for something a little bit elevated and nice and new, and that’s where we’re heading.”

The original plan included 40 townhomes that would hit the market at more than $1 million each. That part of the plan has been swapped for medical space and an early emphasis on retail and restaurants, said Thibaut, whose real estate company will be managing the leasing efforts.

“Walkability’s the thing that really doesn’t exist outside of downtown Fort Myers,” Thibaut said. “The center point of the development is going to be an event lawn and green area. That’s going to be what ties phase one to phase two.

“High-end restaurants, daytime, evening, breakfast concepts. We’re in talks with a lot of groups there. Too early to share who and what. This project, because it’s so unique to the market — obviously we see mixed-use projects emerging throughout the U.S. Less so in the city of Fort Myers. This is a game changer for our area. It’s going to bring new brands that we’re not used to seeing. That’s on the shopping side, retail side, restaurants. It’s going to be a really exciting, wellness-focused development.”

Michael Alessio is the third of four generations carrying on the company started by James Alessio, Michael’s grandfather. Jim Alessio, Michael’s father, drove one of the demolition wrecking machines this week. Isabella Alessio, Michael’s daughter, also works for the company.

“It’s a family affair,” Michael Alessio said. “We’ve got multiple generations. We’re all happy and proud to keep it in the family.”

Alessio determined that focusing on restaurants and retail would better suit the surrounding community as the project gets going.

By the end of June, Alessio Cos. seeks to begin its permitting phase and then break ground on phase one by the end of the year or early 2026. Phase one will take 16 to 18 months to build, Alessio said. It should finish construction by summer 2027.

“As we looked into it, we found that people wanted the restaurants, the entertainment and all those things built first,” he said. “Our goal is to bring the vibrant energy back to Royal Palm. We’ve heard the history of what it did have. To bring those restaurants, to bring the entertainment. To have a living community where people can walk to the restaurant. They don’t have to get in the car and drive 20 minutes away.”

]]><![CDATA[Johnny Dzialo is the Man With the Plan.]]>Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:47:37 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/johnny-dzialo-is-the-man-with-the-planDzialo helps lead the way for many projects that VDR starts and finishes on a daily basis. Managing job sites, inspections, employees and projects, Dzialo is the person everyone runs to for the quick and accurate answer.

Below, read a Q+A with Johnny, as he provides a behind-the-scenes look at his role within the company, which helps serve clients and his community.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
Dzialo: My day to day, personally, isn’t ever that calm. But it’s great. First thing in the morning, I am visiting job sites and making sure that everything is good. I like to make sure our guys are in place and see that everything is running like it should be. I usually hit 2-3 job sites per day before I head back to the office to get paperwork done, get orders in for material, work on things that I have to follow-up on like proposals and all of that. So, that’s my typical day — a lot of time in the field and a lot of office work.

Q: What makes your job something you seem to truly enjoy doing every single day?
Dzialo: Honestly, it’s because there is something new every day. I’m not just walking in, filling out a report or something simple… It’s something new every day. You are never walking into the same exact day that you had yesterday. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You have to be on your toes because you are getting curveballs, left and right.

Q: What is the greatest challenge of having a schedule that can tend to be very different on a day-by-day basis?
Dzialo: It keeps everything fresh. I know what I have on my schedule for the next day, but when that curveball comes, you have to be able to manage what you have scheduled and the problem that arises.

Q: How enjoyable is it to be a part of a company that values high quality in everything that is done?
Dzialo: That is kind of what we pride ourselves on. Our customers are longtime customers and clients. Even the new clients we have, they see what we do, how we do it and how fast we do it with quality. For me, everything is something that is nice to be able to put your name on.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the people and community you get to work around?
Dzialo: Our biggest clients, I like the fact that they are friendly. They aren’t snobby. They are willing to listen to our suggestions and things where we believe we know the way they should go. Obviously, there are things we can’t change that they want or need. But for the most part, everyone is very receptive to taking our advice. We have been working with them for so long, they know that we know what is needed. And they know we are always trying to do things to save their bottom line.

Q: When it comes to being on the job sites, what is your favorite part about being in the field?
Dzialo: Honestly, this may sound selfish, but my favorite thing is when I have a bunch of inspections and they all end up passing. It just allows us to move on to the next stage of the job and lets us keep our jobs rolling.]]><![CDATA[New Businesses Set to Open at Alessio Trade Center, Boosting Fort Myers Economy]]>Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:03:12 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/new-businesses-set-to-open-at-alessio-trade-center-boosting-fort-myers-economy

By: Joe Wedra | T Ram Marketing

The Alessio Trade Center is thrilled to be preparing to welcome new businesses to the Fort Myers area, increasing local business and economic growth.

There are currently four businesses preparing to set up shop in the new Alessio Trade Center, which is currently in the middle stages of construction on the southwest corner of State Road 82 and Interstate 75.

ACE Pickleball, Mitra 9, Cusano’s Bakery, and Glendale Supply are all planning to open in the Trade Center and preparing to bring new opportunities to the area. With the addition of the companies in the area, hundreds of jobs are expected to be brought to town. More growth is expected to come to the ATC in the coming months.

Dallas Vasquez of Mitra 9 says he is incredibly excited to be setting up shop in the Alessio Trade Center. Mitra 9 crafts ready-to-drink botanical beverages that “offer more than just refreshment
— they offer functionality, efficacy and a sense of well-being”.

“Mitra9 is thrilled to join the newly-established industrial park,” Vasquez said. “As a rapidly expanding leader in the functional beverage industry, we are grateful to the ATC team for customizing our corporate office to our specifications. Additionally, they have provided us with the opportunity to acquire more warehouse space as it becomes available, supporting our continued growth. Mitra9 is dedicated to being on the forefront of innovation andour expansion at ATC will create new employment opportunities supporting local economic growth.”

Another exciting addition to the trade center will be ACE Pickleball, which will bring a one-of-a- kind experience to theFort Myers area. ACE is a large-scale pickleball club that will offer courts and playing opportunities for all ages. Courts at the club are divided by skill level — so beginners, intermediate-level players or advanced players have court locations available to improve and fine-tune their game.

ACE memberships include unlimited open play, entry into the APC Member Championship Series and unlimited paddle demos, among other things. More information on what ACE Pickleball offers can be found at acepickleballclub.com.

Cusano’s Bakery is celebrating over 100 years of baking excellence, and the Alessio Trade Center is excited to bebringing its delicious creations to the Fort Myers area. The bakery has an extensive product list, making over 200 varieties of breads and rolls. The company custom- designs products to exact customer needs.

Cusano’s has been owned and operated since 1966 by the Greco family. They offer wonderful specialty products, including hoagie rolls, full bread loafs and tomato asiago crisps and much more. Further information can be found at cusanos.com.

Glendale Supply will open a major location in the ATC, increasing opportunities across the board. The companyspecializes in high-end cabinets, windows, millwork, doors and much more. A full portfolio and more information on the company can be found at glendalesupply.com

Interested community members can learn more about the Alessio Trade Center at alessiodevelopment.com/in-progress/alessio-trade-center-on-mlk/.

]]><![CDATA[The Escondido Lounge Set To Open In Historic Richards Building]]>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:08:28 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/the-escondido-lounge-set-to-open-in-historic-richards-building

Robyn George / The News-Press

The Escondido Lounge is ready to usher in a new, fun and relaxing vibe in downtown Fort Myers.

The speakeasy is set to open on Nov. 20 on Hendry Street in the Richards Building. It will be signified open by the color of the light on the front of the building. When it is red, the speakeasy is open and ready to welcome guests. The lounge is located behind Taco Works. Visitors can walk through the Taco Works and open the cooler door, where the two-story lounge is located. There will be features like a special happy hour, a wide-ranging menu of delicious cocktails and delicious food for a variety of palettes. A piano will be a main highlight of the space, in which guests will be greeted with a can’t-miss entry.

From speakeasy-themed design — unique seating, tables, bar spaces and more — things like lighting and design will make the location a can’t-miss spot in the heart of Fort Myers, providing a “nothing like it” experience. There are multiple unique rooms and spaces to enjoy in the speakeasy, including a private tucked-away “Safari room” and a loft area. The lounge hours will be 4-11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. More information can be found at escondidolounge.com.

]]><![CDATA[Cannabis on the water: Fox Lake dispensary Smokehouse touted as Illinois’ 1st dockside marijuana shop]]>Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:35:34 GMThttps://www.vdrdevelopmentgroup.com/in-the-community/cannabis-on-the-water-fox-lake-dispensary-smokehouse-touted-as-illinois-1st-dockside-marijuana-shopBy Michelle Meyer and Claire O'Brien

Smokehouse is Illinois’ first dispensary located right on the water in Fox Lake on Friday, July 25, 2024. The dispensary located at 44 U.S. Route 12, features boat slips so customers on the Fox River and Chain O' Lakes can boat right up to the dispensary. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver Shaw Media )

Boaters on the Chain O’ Lakes now can get cannabis products without straying far from the water.

In the latest twist on Illinois’ ever-expanding cannabis market, Smokehouse Dispensary in Fox Lake is touting itself as the state’s first dispensary located on the water. There are docks behind the store for boaters to park their watercraft while they stock up on marijuana products.

The dispensary is located in a former barbecue joint at 44 Route 12 and celebrated its opening day Friday. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Tuesday.

As for the waterside location that provides access to boaters, the company said in a statement that “we wanted to create an experience that allows a convenient and unique way for customers to access our services directly from their boats, enhancing their experience in a very scenic location.”

The store leans into its settings, with a mural featuring boaters, one of whom is smoking a joint, painted on a wall near windows looking out over the water.

There’s also a 25% discount for those who sign up for the dispensary’s rewards program, general manager Zach Edgerton said. Those with medical marijuana cards will get 30% off, while seniors and Social Security Disability Insurance recipients get a 10% discount and military members get 20% off.

Besides cannabis and related products, the store also sells candles, journals and other merchandise, including dog bibs that read, “My owner is a stoner.”

On Friday morning, things were quiet but running smoothly.

“It’s been kind of chill,” Edgerton said, adding that it gave the dispensary a chance to work out any glitches. By Friday afternoon, Edgerton said, the store had seen 24 customers.

“It’s definitely pretty decent for a first day,” Edgerton said, adding that the store didn’t do marketing.
Tonya Beeter, who works at the dispensary, swung by to check out the space Friday before she was due back for her shift later in the day.

“I absolutely love it,” Beeter said, adding that she hadn’t before seen the store fully set up. “I’m glad I came in.”

Fox Lake resident Robert Johnson was checking out the dispensary Friday morning. He said he had a medical card and found Smokehouse “a nice place.”

Smokehouse is not the only dispensary in town. Two miles south on Route 12 is another dispensary, Aroma Hill. Smokehouse operators said they felt the village of Fox Lake had been supportive of the venture.

“The local reception has been incredibly supportive, with the village of Fox Lake being extremely welcoming. This encouragement has really energized our efforts to integrate into the community and foster partnerships with local businesses,” the company said in a written statement.

Smokehouse General Manager Zach Edgerton stands on one of the dispensary docks that allow customers on the Fox River and Chain O' Lakes can boat right up to the dispensary. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver Shaw Media )

Another dispensary, Nobo, is scheduled to open in nearby Lakemoor soon. A sign on the fence surrounding construction says the dispensary is coming soon and has a QR code that links to its rewards program. As of Friday, there was a structure up, and construction was in progress. Lakemoor will be Nobo’s first location in Illinois; the dispensary has other locations in Michigan, according to its Facebook page.

As of July 19, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation had issued 108 conditional adult-use-dispensing organization licenses in the state, the majority issued in 2022.

Smokehouse and Nobo are in Lake County, but there are six dispensaries in McHenry County, with five opening in 2023 alone. McHenry County received $868,190 in cannabis tax revenue during the fiscal year that ended Nov. 30, county officials said.

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