(Ed. Note: There is so much to write about this week that it is likely there will be afternoon articles. Make sure you don’t miss anything!)
The founder of The Holistic Connection, Mike Solomon, was on hand to join local franchise owners Rekesh Ali and John Slota and the newly minted employees of the business to cut the ribbon and officially open for business. They’ve been open for several weeks and business has, by all accounts, been good.
The Chamber of Commerce provided the ribbon and big scissors and were available to express their welcome. A spokesperson for the Chamber also thanked the new business for the investment in the community and the jobs they’ve created. Mike Solomon spoke briefly, saying, “I own the circus, but they own the ride (referencing Rekesh and John). We are really happy to be a part of the Knoxville community. It’s special to me and it’s where I went to college and probably spent the best years of my life.” He said he’ll be back for next week’s UT game.
Rekesh said they’ve been open for about six weeks and have been slowly building their product line. Just that day, he said, they got “bath bombs.” “We’re getting new product all the time.” Jamie, Director of Operations, said the bombs add to the relaxation of a bath with both the aroma and relaxing qualities of CBD. Rekesh said the product is selling well and people are increasingly gravitating toward the bar.
This is the first downtown store to sell not only CBD products, but a wide range of legal THC products, as well. Items offered are divided into two spaces inside, though the ingredients are largely the same. The front of the store is intended for retail and includes extracts, flowers, and a range of edibles, including brownies, cookies and gummies. Other recreational edibles include shots, coolers, and suckers.
The rear of the store is more like a lounge or bar, with budtenders ready to help customers make recreational selections. The main attraction is the dabs, in which the user sits at the bar or in one of the comfy seating areas provided and inhales vaporized THC or CBD. The bar also offers mocktails, shots, seltzers, and coolers, all infused with a range of CBD or THC.
In addition to comfortable seating areas, you’ll also find lots of interesting art on the walls. Some or most of it is local and it is all for sale. With the beautiful wood floors and lots of exposed brick, the space is warm and inviting, whether your bent is to drop in for products or to come and stay awhile.
The store opens every day at 11am and closes at 10pm Monday through Thursday and midnight Friday through Sunday. A special happy hour is offered Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 6pm with 50% off Dabs and 30% off other bar offerings.