Cannabis Facility Construction Completes Two Dispensaries in Chicago Area for Nature’s Grace and Wellness
Bud & Rita’s-branded dispensaries’ light-hearted designs draw inspiration from 1950s diners
(Photo by Dennis Jourdan)
Cannabis Facility Construction (CFC), a national, full-service, cannabis design-build construction firm, today announced the completion of two Bud & Rita’s -branded dispensaries in the Chicago area. Nature’s Grace and Wellness — a family-owned and operated Illinois cannabis farm — pursued an operational partnership approach for both locations. The company partnered with Illinois Cannabis Company in Niles at 5960 West Touhy, and Green & Randle in Avondale, at 3425 West Belmont.
Both dispensaries embrace the neighborhoods and local businesses where they are located, while offering the distinct brand experience of visiting a “1950s” diner that serves cannabis rather than burgers.
- The Avondale location has designated half of its 6,000-square-foot facility as open space for hosting community events. Presently, the dispensary is exhibiting the work of local artists and giving a 5% discount for shopping with surrounding local businesses.
- The larger Niles location (7,600 square feet) will offer the same “1950s diner” experience adjacent to the Village Crossing Shopping Center and its movie theater and shops.
“Today’s cannabis consumers have lots of choices, and they care deeply about the retail experience — including the partnerships dispensaries have with local farms and other retailers,” said Andy Poticha, Founder & CEO, Cannabis Facility Construction. “We are proud to be part of these projects in which uniquely designed and built dispensaries are adding an element of fun to their neighborhoods and supporting nearby businesses.”
CFC worked in collaboration with Eastlake Architects, which provided the facility design for both dispensaries. Appealing to fans of the movie “Grease” with bold checkered floors and a classic teal-and-pink palette, the design offers fun cannabis twists on 1950s diner graphics and slogans such as, “Take the blue line to the bud line.” In both locations, CFC and Eastlake Architects addressed both form and function, offering a streamlined checkout experience for frequent buyers as well as consultative and browsing spaces for those new to cannabis.
Other key project partners included Boulder for engineering work, Quick Electric for security and IT, Bataglia and Parkside for electrical installations in the respective dispensaries, Dunaway for carpentry, Tim’s Glass for the installation of storefront glass, and Right Way Signs for the exterior and interior signage and painted murals.
“Cannabis Facility Construction is one of the most experienced general contractors in the cannabis industry nationwide,” said Patrick O’Hern, Director of Marketing of Nature’s Grace and Wellness. “Given our longstanding collaboration, we were excited to partner with them again to build both of our Bud & Rita’s locations. These two unique dispensaries reflect the experiences of our local customers and vibrant culture of our diverse community.”