Our Story Begins With Purpose
At Village Brands, we’re not your ordinary flower shop. We understand that cannabis represents more than just a product—it’s a pathway to wellness, connection, and community transformation. Our journey started with a simple yet powerful belief: cannabis has the potential to change lives, build communities, and create opportunities where they matter most. This philosophy drives everything we do at our dispensaries across Broadview & Chicago, IL, Hoboken, NJ & St. Louis, MO, where we’ve established ourselves as trusted partners in your cannabis experience.
Our roots run deep in the cannabis industry through our foundational connection with Viola Brands, the pioneering company co-founded by Dan and NBA veteran Al Harrington in 2011. Al’s personal journey with cannabis began when his grandmother Viola was struggling with glaucoma and high blood pressure. Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually tried cannabis and experienced immediate positive changes. This transformative moment inspired not just a business, but a movement focused on building generational wealth in Black and Brown communities while providing quality cannabis products that genuinely improve lives.
Building Village Brands From Vision to Reality
In 2019, Dan expanded the vision by creating Village Brands, initially focusing on acquiring licenses in limited market states. We recognized that big corporations were missing something crucial—genuine connection with the communities they served. While we operate across multiple states, we bring a “home to you” approach that makes each location feel like a neighborhood gathering place rather than just another retail outlet. The name Village Brands reflects our core belief, inspired by the saying “it takes a village to raise a child,” emphasizing that community support and collective growth create the strongest foundations for success.
We’ve carefully curated our approach to cannabis retail, understanding that today’s consumers want more than transactional experiences. Our dispensaries serve as educational hubs where newcomers can learn confidently and seasoned enthusiasts can discover new favorites. We feature Viola Brands products prominently in our stores, maintaining that direct connection to our origins while expanding our carefully selected menu to include the finest cannabis products available in each market we serve.
Quality Curation Meets Community Connection
Our menu curation process reflects our commitment to both quality and experience. We don’t just stock products; we select each item based on rigorous standards for potency, purity, and production methods. Our team evaluates hundreds of products, choosing only those that meet our exacting criteria and align with what our community members actually want and need. Whether you’re exploring cannabis for wellness purposes, recreational enjoyment, or somewhere in between, you’ll find options thoughtfully chosen to deliver consistent, premium experiences.
What started as a mission to help medical patients dealing with cancer and HIV has evolved into comprehensive recreational and medical programs serving diverse communities. Since 2020, Viola Brands has expanded into over twelve different markets including Canada, and we’ve brought that same expansion mindset to Village Brands. We’ve grown strategically, ensuring each new location maintains the intimate, community-focused atmosphere that defines us while leveraging our multi-state presence to bring you the best products and practices from across the cannabis industry.
Your Cannabis Experience Reimagined
Walking into a Village Brands dispensary means entering a space designed for discovery and connection. We’ve created environments that feel welcoming to everyone, from industry insiders to curious newcomers, from longtime locals to visitors exploring Illinois, New Jersey & Missouri. Our knowledgeable staff members, whom we call cannabis consultants, bring expertise without pretension, helping you navigate our menu with confidence whether you’re seeking specific effects, exploring new consumption methods, or simply browsing our latest arrivals.
- Educational Resources: We provide comprehensive information about cannabinoids, terpenes, and consumption methods
- Community Events: Regular gatherings that bring together cannabis enthusiasts and curious newcomers
- Product Diversity: From flower to edibles, concentrates to topicals, we offer formats for every preference
- Wellness Focus: Special attention to products supporting specific wellness goals and medical needs
- Local Partnerships: Collaborations with area businesses and organizations to strengthen community bonds
Our commitment extends beyond transactions to transformation. We’re building a lifestyle brand that blends innovation, culture, and quality into something greater than the sum of its parts. Village Brands represents a new chapter in cannabis retail—one where expertise meets accessibility, where community drives commerce, and where every visit contributes to a larger movement toward normalization, education, and empowerment in the cannabis space.
