Plans to Turn Vestal A&W Into Cannabis Dispensary Moving Forward
A cannabis retail store that was expected to open last fall at the site of a former fast-food restaurant in Vestal has yet to start operating.
Remodeling work for a Canna Planet dispensary at 1919 Vestal Parkway East began nearly a year ago.
The business is to occupy a building that had been home to an A&W and Long John Silver's restaurant. The eatery closed in June 2024.
The exterior of the structure was repainted with a black-and-yellow color scheme. Several display cases were set up inside the building and new lighting was installed for the dispensary.
A Canna Planet representative last November said he expected the new business would be able to open by the end of that month.
But efforts to launch the dispensary may have been stalled by state regulatory issues. There was no visible activity at the site for several months.
In July, some signage was installed on the building including bold yellow lettering indicating the place would be a "DISPENSARY." Other signs on the front of the structure were installed but remain covered.
A man involved in the development of the Vestal business recently told WNBF News that the project is moving forward. He indicated the delay in opening was because final state approval has not been granted. He declined to provide more specific information.
Public records indicate Global Force Equities LLC's application for a retail dispensary license for the site is "pending."
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.
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