Cookies Los Angeles Store Is Now Closed Due To Landlord Dispute
The second store closure for the Cookies brand franchise.
Words by Damian Nicholas
NABIL
Prominent cannabis brand Cookies has closed its Los Angeles Melrose dispensary last Thursday, November 7, 2023. The closure came as no surprise since Berner, co-founder and CEO of the well-known brand, cited not being able to “come to terms” with their landlord (via Instagram).
Even with Cookies being a major player in the cannabis industry, this situation demonstrates that even the biggest players is not exempt from the struggles cannabis brands have to endure within the industry. The brand operates under a franchising business model, licensing their recognizable branding and marijuana strains to separate businesses that hold state cannabis licenses around the United States. It is worth noting that while operating under a franchise business model, the business that holds state licenses is granted the permission to sell products under the Cookies brand, but they are responsible for the day-to-day operations.
The Melrose outlet is operated by Purple Heart Compassion - the company’s key figures being Arman Arakelyan and Steve Bladimir Pinedam, according to records from California’s Department of Cannabis Control. Berner’s October 31 Instagram post states “Cookies Melrose will close its doors, we’ve tried our hardest but haven’t been able to come to terms with our landlord…I want to thank my partners at Melrose for this opportunity and for fighting so hard to try and keep it.”
In a recently deleted Instagram post, Berner followed up by hinting a relocation and opening date which will be announced. Although the location was located in one of LA’s most prominent neighborhoods, their massive crowds were also accompanied by bad parking habits, public speeding, and public urination.
These complaints, and more, were listed by the Los Angeles Police Department and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Station to L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz and West Hollywood Councilmember Laren Meister. The store, formerly located on the southwest corner of Melrose Avenue and Kings Road in Western Los Angeles was also vandalized and robbed in 2020 during protests and riots in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
Cookies’ Melrose landlord has listed the retail space on Loopnet, a commercial real estate website.
Damian Nicholas covers cannabis legalization and legislations in New York. More about Damian Nicholas
Dec 13, 2023 More in Journal
