TORONTO, ON – Walk into most cannabis stores in Toronto and you’ll get the same vibe: clinical lighting, rushed transactions, staff who barely look up from their phones. The Bkry Cannabis Store in The Junction? It’s not that.
Daniel and Reeves opened their shop when they were just 20 and 21. Young? Sure. But they had something most corporate dispensaries don’t: they actually gave a damn about cannabis culture and their neighborhood.
“We’re total cannabis nerds,” Reeves admits without hesitation. “Like, we’ll spend hours researching terpene profiles and testing products. That’s just what we do.”
Building Something Different
The Junction has always had that independent streak. Small businesses, tight-knit community, people who know their neighbors. Daniel and Reeves wanted their store to fit into that ecosystem, not fight against it. They drew inspiration from spots like Bevi Birra and Petti Fine Foods – places where the owners are actually there, working alongside their staff.
When The Bkry opened at 3060 Dundas St W, the founders made a conscious choice. They weren’t going to be another cookie-cutter dispensary. No sterile environments. No treating customers like they’re just walking wallets.
“We wanted to break down the stigma,” Daniel explains. “Cannabis retail doesn’t have to feel weird or transactional. It can be warm and educational.”
The “Ganjier” Approach
Here’s where things get interesting. The Bkry staff aren’t just your typical budtenders. They’ve embraced the concept of the “Ganjier” – basically, a cannabis sommelier. It’s exactly what it sounds like.
Got a customer who’s never tried cannabis before and wants to microdose? They’ll walk them through it. Someone comes in who knows their stuff and wants to debate the merits of different strains? Even better. The team has tested and researched everything they sell, so they can give honest feedback based on actual experience, not just what’s printed on the package.
It’s the kind of service you’d expect from a specialty wine shop, not a weed store. And that’s the point.
Community Over Corporation
The cannabis industry has gotten pretty corporate lately. Big chains with massive marketing budgets are opening stores everywhere. The Bkry proves there’s still room for the little guy – or in this case, two young founders who prioritized relationships over rapid expansion.
They’re not trying to open ten locations next year. They’re focused on being a good neighbor in The Junction, creating a space that feels inclusive and safe for everyone who walks through the door.
“We believe relationships should go beyond transactions,” Reeves says. It sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly rare in cannabis retail these days.
Their approach challenges the assumption that only big corporations can succeed in this space. Turns out, when you actually care about your customers and your community, people notice.
About The Bkry Cannabis Store
The Bkry is a locally owned dispensary in Toronto’s Junction neighborhood. Founded by Daniel and Reeves, it offers cannabis products, accessories, and education with a focus on community connection and knowledgeable service. More info at thebkrycannabis.ca.
Contact:
3060 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z7
Phone: (647) 349-9333
Website: thebkrycannabis.ca
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or business advice.
