Live in Everett Member Profile: Buds Garage, Marijuana Dispensary
We’re super thankful to our Live in Everett Members - local organizations who have stepped up to help make Live in Everett possible. Buds Garage was incorporated in 2013 and opened its doors at its current location in an old gas station in 2016. Since 2021 they’ve been a Live in Everett Member and we recently caught up with them to learn a little more about their business.
How did your organization first get started?
It all started in a small third-floor office at the corner of Hewitt and Wetmore above what used to be the Black Lab Gallery. When the state announced they would be opening up license applications, we were excited to finally have the opportunity to participate within the new I502 framework and submitted applications right up to the deadline.
At the same time, there was another fledgling Everett business owner, Ryan Crowther, down the hall starting this thing called the Everett Music Initiative and Fisherman’s Village Music Festival; we would get to know Ryan and later go on to sponsor the Fisherman’s Village Music Festival for several years.
We finally received our state approval and opened our first retail store in 2015 on Pine Street next to what was the Holiday Inn at the time. Unfortunately, the city would not grant us a license at that location and we ended up moving to our current location on Everett Avenue in an old gas station. We are proud to be a premier recreational cannabis dispensary in Everett.
What’s your mission?
Our mission is to provide our community with the best customer service and value available in the retail cannabis industry. We value our customers by providing quality recreational cannabis products, knowledgeable staff and a safe experience. We know there are a lot of choices when considering pot shops near Everett WA, and we strive to be the most accessible both in product availability and value. We put an emphasis on educating budtenders, sourcing the best strains and products, and approaching all of our customer interactions with kindness, respect and curiosity.
Why should people choose you? Or, what makes you different?
Buds Garage is a locally owned and operated retail cannabis store. We take pride in providing customers with one-on-one support, allowing our budtenders to provide personal service and to take the time with each customer to make an informed purchase. We select small high-quality cannabis suppliers and offer products that our customers might not find elsewhere, in addition to a wide range of price and value options. We provide superior selection, value and a personal customer service experience.
We have repurposed an old gas station into something that is truly unique and built a brand around the garage theme. Many local patrons have helped us through their continued business but also by donating many old garage items and artifacts which we display in the store today.
We give back to the community through charitable giving, volunteering, donations, and sponsorships of local organizations including the Everett Public Schools Foundation, KSER.org, Adopt-A-Street (Everett Avenue), Fisherman’s Village Music Festival, Wheels on the Waterfront Cancer Partnership, and Adopt-A-Highway to name a few.
Why did you choose Everett?
Everett is an amazing community, rich in history and good people. We chose Everett because we saw an opportunity to invest in an active community interested in continued growth and improvement. Everett is a hub off I-5 for other nearby communities.
What's your favorite thing about your organization or what you do?
My favorite thing about our store is the small local “Cheers” type atmosphere and vibe that our employees and customers enjoy every day. And that is only made sweeter by our ability to provide cannabinoid therapeutics to residents and visitors of our community.
What is the most challenging thing your organization has had to overcome?
Most recently it has been the pandemic and then two robberies that forced us to close for remodeling. Thankfully, our customers and employees were very supportive and understanding during our closure while we made the necessary changes to better ensure everyone’s safety. We feel confident that moving forward we have an environment in which everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Anything you wish more locals knew about your organization?
We love working with our elder community. If you’re 65 and up, you’ll get our new senior discount with a valid ID.
What are your most important values?
At Buds Garage, we have a passion for people and a love for quality cannabis. We take the time to hire good people because we know your experience depends on it. Unlike other pot shops near Everett WA, we are not built on the “turn and burn” model. We aren’t trying to race you through your purchase or upsell you on things you don’t need. Instead, our budtenders take the time to listen to you, understand your needs and preferences, and help you to discover new, quality recreational marijuana Everett WA products curated with your experience in mind. At the end of the day, if you aren’t happy, we aren’t happy.
EVVY Award winner for Everett’s best cannabis store!
Favorite thing you've done to give back to the community?
I value all the organizations that we give back to. I’m a big fan of KSER, cleaning up Everett Avenue with Adopt-a-Street is immediately rewarding, and sponsoring Fisherman’s Village and local music talent has also been a favorite opportunity just to name a few.
What can Everett expect from you in the future?
Continued commitment to investing in and supporting our community and the ability to pivot with the changing times to provide the best possible experience.
What's your favorite thing about Everett?
My favorite thing about Everett is its eclectic nature. Everything is very accessible and there is a wide range of things to do, restaurants to eat at, and events all year round that make it a fun vibrant city to live and work in.
Favorite place to eat in Everett?
8-Ball Cafe and Pho Ha
Favorite place to hang in Everett?
Black Lab Gallery, Fireplace Bar and Cafe Zippy’s (closed now☹)
Anything else we forgot or that you'd like to mention?
We also offer a rewards program to thank our repeat customers for their ongoing support. Customers can make their Everett, Washington cannabis dispensary purchases go the extra mile with our free rewards program. Signing up is simple. Next time you stop by the shop, register with your phone number at check out. Rewards members get 1 point for every $35 spent. Redeem your points for discounts on future purchases! Every 4 points earned equals 10% off. Earn points for all in-store and online orders. And speaking of online orders, we also offer our customers the convenience of online ordering for same-day pickup.
Celebrate Happy Hour with Buds Garage and get 10% off every Sunday and Monday from 8-10 a.m. and 9 p.m to close.
Buds Garage, Marijuana Dispensary
2712 Hewitt Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 321-9471
THANK YOU TO BUDS GARAGE, MARIJUANA DISPENSARY AND ALL OUR MEMBERS FOR THEIR AMAZING SUPPORT!
Live in Everett is your central hub for local delight. Restaurants, culture, events, and opportunities for civic engagement are just a few of our favorite things to share about. Learn more about us here, and join us as we proudly wave the Everett flag.
