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.

​By David Dorsey Gulf Shore Business

Dzialo 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.

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/.

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.