What is Caurd?
Cannabis, an herb with a rich history and countless uses, has seen its place in society undergo a dramatic transformation over the past several years. One company at the heart of this evolution is Terp Bros, stationed in the bustling heart of Astoria, Queens. They represent an emblem of New York State’s advanced cannabis laws, operating as the first legal Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) in Astoria and one of the firsts across the entire state. Beyond merely distributing high-quality cannabis products, Terp Bros emphasizes an unparalleled customer experience and places quality at the pinnacle of their business operations.
As pioneers in the industry, the journey to becoming Astoria’s first licensed CAURD has been marked by trials and tribulations. But in overcoming these challenges, they have not only established a beacon for legal cannabis distribution but also forged a path of immense reward. The CAURD license, being the inaugural adult-use retail cannabis license issued in New York State, symbolizes a remarkable leap towards the extensive acceptance and normalization of adult-use cannabis.
However, the path to acquiring this license isn’t a walk in the park. It’s marked by a competitive application process known for its rigor. To be eligible for the CAURD license, applicants must meet specific criteria that act as an assurance of commitment to justice, credible business experience, and an established presence within New York State. It is also a requirement that at least 30% of the applicant is owned by an individual who meets these qualifications.
When we look at Terp Bros through this lens, we see a brand that not only checks all these boxes but also goes above and beyond. This is a testament to their dedication to the community of Astoria and to the wider state of New York. Their business structure has been engineered in such a way that it not only satisfies the necessary requirements for applying for a CAURD license but transcends them. This commitment to exceeding the basic criteria has enabled Terp Bros to deliver to their customers the best of the best when it comes to cannabis products.
The narrative of Terp Bros, however, isn’t just about being a dispensary. It’s about serving as a locale for unique, memorable learning, and experiences. Every customer’s journey is respected and appreciated by their team of experts who strive to exceed expectations at every turn. In spite of their growth and expansion, they have never lost sight of their core values.
Here’s How We Pioneer Cannabis in Queens
In the bustling streets of Astoria, Ditmars, Queens, a unique retail establishment is making waves in the cannabis industry. Terp Bros, a brand new recreational dispensary, is not just a place to purchase cannabis products, but a destination for memorable learning and experiences. Offering a welcoming and inclusive environment, the Terp Bros team is eager to share their expertise and help guide customers on their cannabis journey. But the story of Terp Bros goes beyond their store, reflecting a tale of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a firm belief in second chances.
The Founders’ Journey
The Terp Bros was co-founded by Alessandro Cottone and Jeremy Rivera, two individuals whose diverse backgrounds and experiences have shaped the ethos and operations of the business.
Alessandro Cottone, known to friends and family as Al, is a first-generation Italian American born in Queens, NY. His early work experience in his father’s butcher shop instilled in him the value of hard work and dedication. This served him well when he opened Joe’s Gourmet Meats in Lindenhurst, a gourmet shop and butcher specializing in fine deli foods and catering. Al’s commitment to his community is evident in his work with the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and his provision of meals to local women undergoing cancer treatment. His entrepreneurial spirit and experience in overcoming various business challenges have prepared him for his latest venture: Terp Bros.
Jeremy Rivera’s life has been marked by challenges that led him in and out of prison over eleven years. However, his resilience and determination have allowed him to transform his life. Beginning as an on-site safety representative for a property development company, he found his passion for training people. Today, he is a general foreman responsible for legal compliance at multiple construction sites. Jeremy also owns a non-profit business dedicated to providing disadvantaged or justice-involved candidates with free construction training and job placement services. His journey has instilled in him a deep belief in second chances and personal growth, values that he brings to his role at Terp Bros.
A Mission Rooted in Experience and Opportunity
Terp Bros is built on the founders’ lived experiences and the philosophy of seizing second chances. The company is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis. They aim to create an open and inclusive shopping and working environment by hiring knowledgeable, diverse staff and supporting them with education and technology. This approach enables their team to provide the best service to their clients.
The company also creates pathways to success for their employees trying to achieve personal goals within the legal cannabis industry. They are actively building a bridge for communities that welcomes and affirms them by honoring their lived experiences.
A Home in Astoria, Ditmars, Queens
Terp Bros is located at 36-10 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11105. Astoria Ditmars is a lively and diverse neighborhood in the northern part of Queens, New York City. Known for its bustling streets, eclectic mix of restaurants, and welcoming community, Ditmars is a gem in the heart of Astoria. It’s a place where cultures blend, creating a unique atmosphere that’s both vibrant and homely. With easy access to Manhattan and the rest of Queens, Ditmars is a beloved locale for both residents and visitors alike. At Terp Bros, they’re proud to call this neighborhood home.
As pioneers in the New York cannabis industry, Terp Bros are setting the bar for what a cannabis retail dispensary[contd.] can and should be. With a team expertly trained and committed to exceeding expectations, and ambitious growth plans in motion, Terp Bros is not just a New York dispensary, but a destination for memorable learning and experiences.
