CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TRP (www.trp.co), a leading cannabis retail, cultivation, and distribution platform, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Cookies Chicago, the much-anticipated inaugural Chicago dispensary from the most globally recognized cannabis company, Cookies, on Saturday, March 16th, 2024.
Cookies Chicago, now open to the public, continues TRP's commitment to expanding its footprint in key markets and partnership with Cookies in revolutionizing the cannabis shopping experience — as recognized by the New York Times, Forbes and Inc.com.
The introduction of Cookies in Chicago’s burgeoning market marks a significant milestone for non-coastal cannabis enthusiasts and highlights TRP's ability to navigate the demanding and diverse state regulatory processes across the U.S. to meet brand fans in their own neighborhoods. This dexterity is particularly impactful in Chicago, the nation’s third largest city by population and whose metropolitan region is home to over 75% of the state’s total residents, solidifying Cookies' presence in a region with substantial demand.
TRP is proud to be partnering with social equity licensee, Mint Ventures, in opening Cookies Chicago. “We are excited for the opportunity to serve Chicago and our Fulton Market/West Loop communities,” said Mint Ventures Chief Operating Officer, Shari Wilson. “We have created a welcoming environment, with wonderful staff to provide the finest cannabis products in Illinois. Thanks to the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and the neighborhoods for making this possible."
The beautiful West Loop location flagship will offer a large selection of top-shelf Cookies products and a fresh menu for the Illinois market—from dozens of cultivars, to vape cartridges, edibles and concentrates along with exclusive, city-specific merch designed by Cookies SF.
“Cookies Chicago is positioned to be both the premiere and most convenient destination for Chicago’s cannabis community,” said TRP CEO, Brandon Johnson. “Located only 300 feet from CTA’s Clinton stop on both green and pink lines, and a half a mile from the Chicago Union Station, Cookies Chicago is designed to incorporate seamlessly with residents’ commutes and busy lifestyles, providing unparalleled access to our premium cannabis products.”
Last year, legal marijuana in Illinois saw “unprecedented growth” as quoted in the annual report from the state’s Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), with the opening of 28 new retailers and more than $1.5 billion in total retail sales.
That sales revenue generated approximately $451.9 million dollars for the state in fiscal year 2023, according to the Monthly Collections Remitted to the State Comptroller report provided by the Department of Revenue. As in past years, Illinois made significantly more revenue from cannabis than from alcohol, which brought in about $316.3 million during the same period last year.
The grand opening of the biggest name in cannabis will include an entire day of celebrations in Chicago. Starting with a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:00, the all-day event will include in-store entertainment and exclusive opening day promotions — including the chance for rewards members who RSVP’d to the event to win free weed for a year. Anyone 21 or older interested in attending may RSVP here and will be required to show a valid ID upon entering. No purchase is necessary to enter.
Cookies Chicago, located at 215 N. Clinton Ave, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more and access full contest details at https://www.cookieschicago.co/
About TRP
Founded in 2019, TRP is a retail, cultivation, and distribution platform purpose-built to solve the challenges of regulated cannabis. We combine decades of investment, legal, regulatory, and real estate experience with know-how from long standing cannabis operators. Our footprint in 14 states and 2 countries exclusively produces and sells the most recognized brands including Cookies, Dr. Greenthumb's, Insane, and more. (www.trp.co)
About Cookies
Cookies is the most globally recognized cannabis company; founded in 2010 by Billboard-charting rapper and entrepreneur Berner and Bay Area breeder and cultivator Jai. The company creates game-changing genetics and offers a collection of over 70 proprietary cannabis cultivars and more than 2,000 products. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company is actively involved in advocacy and social impact initiatives to enrich communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. Cookies opened its first retail store in 2018 in Los Angeles, has since expanded to over 70 retail locations in over 20 markets across 6 countries, and was recently named one of America's Hottest Brands of 2021 by AdAge; the first cannabis brand to ever receive this accolade. To learn more about Cookies, visit cookies.co, and to learn more about Cookies CBD, visit shop.cookies.co
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