Five years after legalizing possession of marijuana, the state of Virginia has approved legislation that will allow up to 350 cannabis stores selling recreational marijuana, effective July 1st 2027. The Associated Press reports that while Virginia already has a medical marijuana program that allowed patients to purchase the drug through dispensaries, state regulators will begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, ahead of the July 1, 2027, start date for recreational sales to adults 21 and older. (Commonwealth of Virginia – www.virginia.gov)………….
Vetster, a pet health platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinary professionals through virtual consultations, has expanded its virtual veterinary support program to PetSmart stores across Canada, launched this week in more than 140 locations. Building on the success of a similar program in over 500 U.S. stores, the initiative gives PetSmart associates immediate access to licensed veterinarians through Vetster’s secure virtual care platform when pet health concerns arise. Veterinarians can provide medical guidance, treatment recommendations and prescriptions when appropriate, helping pets receive faster care. (Vetster – www.vetster.com) & (PetSmart – www.petsmart.ca)………..
Happy Belly Food Group reports that Rosie’s Burgers, the boutique quick-service restaurant brand known for its signature smash burgers, fries, poutine, onion rings, and classic milkshakes, has signed its first franchise agreement for Fredericton in New Brunswick, with an experienced multi-unit operator. This signed agreement marks the brand’s sixth province for franchise agreements and third signed agreement in Atlantic Canada. The real-estate search has already begun for suitable locations. (Rosie’s Burgers – www.rosiesburgers.ca)………….
While we generally do not report on store and restaurant closing, due to the news that we heard earlier this week, we are making an exception, a sad exception too. Steve’s Music Store announced on social media that it is closing its last store on St Catherine St in downtown Montreal. Earlier this year, the 61-year-old company that became an intuition in Montreal, closed its stores in Montreal’s South Shore and West Island, Toronto and Ottawa and was restructuring. An icon in Montreal’s music scene is gone…………..
Have a great week……………