Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
It looks like Atlantic City is on the move with a variety of businesses either in the planning stages or opening.
Kentucky Avenue has been fortunate to see two new businesses open: Panaderia Mexican Bakery, at 24 S Kentucky (owners Clavel and Juan Garcia), and Pinoy AC at 40 N Kentucky.
Atlantic City has large Casinos, but it also has hundreds of small businesses, owned and operated by entrepreneurs from every nationality and background.
For example, the owners of Pinoy, Glenn and Grace Cayme, are locals who decided to open a Filipino convenience store in a historically cultural street in the city. The Caymes introduced a new culture to the town as Pinoy sells food, goodies and supplies familiar to the Philippines.
From mango ice cream and freshly baked bread known as pandesal, to cream silk shampoo and hair conditioner, shoppers can experience Pacific island favorites right in the heart of Atlantic City.
This home away from home is not only a place of comfort for Filipinos, it’s also an attraction for all people and cultures who have experienced the influence of Filipino-American diaspora. Try the funky ube ice cream. They promise you won’t regret it.
In addition to the fabulous bakeries, cultural stores and the exciting new water park at the Showboat, the next explosion in growth in the city has been the cannabis business, which has literally caught fire.
The CRDA has been busy with hearings for retail dispensaries and grow facilities to accommodate a cottage industry that has caught on.
Just recently several cannabis businesses have opened their doors including MPX at 153 S New York Ave. (Orange Loop); Fly High Munchies, 55 Bellevue Ave., and The Greenhouse Collective and Design 710 Dispensary, 112 Park Ave. You will have to visit each location and experience the various products they have to offer.
Cannabis offers entrepreneurs a tremendous opportunity for growth. However, with every opportunity there are challenges. It is a capital-intensive business and is also extremely competitive.
The CRDA has heard numerous applications for cannabis businesses such as Starboard Industries, 1810 Baltic; Tree Breeze Cannabis, LLC, 27 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.; The Healing Side, LLC; Premium Dispensary, 1518-1520 Atlantic Ave., and Salt Air Botanical, 2310 Atlantic Ave.
Also Ducktown Arts District; Tambre LLC, 1926 Atlantic Ave.; Baking Bad, Inc., 2834 Atlantic Ave.; THC Shop, LLC, 1740 Atlantic Ave., and A Perfect Bud, LLC, 31 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
As you can see there are unique names to go along with the novel products each business will offer.
It certainly looks like Atlantic City is rapidly becoming a hub for cannabis. Hopefully this will attract more visitors. This should be a great support for the new food stores, bakeries and restaurants. I would think that sales will rise in the food and cannabis sectors.
Remember your local businesses. They are your friends and neighbors.
