Evanston has opened its second cannabis dispensary at the southern edge of the city on the corner of Chicago Avenue and Howard Street through a partnership between OKAY Cannabis and West Town Bakery.
The new shop houses the two businesses with OKAY set behind the bakery serving its signature cakeballs alongside breakfast foods, sandwiches and other items. None of the items in the bakery are infused with cannabis but those interested can buy those products in the dispensary.
A vibrant neon sign on the bakery’s back wall identifies the entrance to the dispensary.
The entrance to OKAY Dispensary sits behind the back wall of the West Town Bakery in south Evanston.
OKAY CEO Ameya Pawar cut the ribbon , officially opening the third tandem location with West Town. Other locations include the West Town neighborhood in Chicago and Wheeling.
The business name comes from Pawar’s idea that you don’t have to use cannabis to enjoy the space in the same way you don’t have to enjoy alcohol to go out to a restaurant or bar.
“You’re okay, we’re okay and most importantly, you’re okay here,” he said. “Adding hospitality creates space for new cannabis users and meets them where they’re at.”