Robbinsdale Approves New Cannabis Shop on West Broadway
A section of Robbinsdale known primarily for restaurants and breweries may soon be home to a cannabis dispensary.
During a public hearing this week, the Robbinsdale City Council unanimously approved a conditional retail cannabis business registration for Hold My Beer MN, LLC, which plans to transform the storefront at 4154 West Broadway Avenue into a high-end retail experience.
The approval marks a significant milestone in Robbinsdale’s emerging cannabis landscape. City staff noted that this applicant likely represents the second of only two retail licenses allowed under the city’s current zoning quota.
While the LLC operates under the name “Hold My Beer,” representatives for the business — a husband-and-wife team with successful operations in Maine — assured the Council the store would be far from a “beat-down smoke shop.”
“This is a very, very classy store with tech — it will be clean and quiet, and they’ll be a great neighbor” said Andy Stallman, a commercial real estate representative. He noted that the business owners expect between 100 to 200 customers per day, and their fastest-growing customer demographic is adults over the age of 55.
While the branding is still being finalized, the names Highly Cannaco and Rugged Roots were mentioned as likely candidates for the storefront.
The property owner, Scott Barriball was also present at Tuesday’s public hearing. He described the business as a “Cadillac” operation rather than a “Buick.”
“It’s a really great-looking place,” said Barriball. “They’re safe, and I think they’ll do great business.”
An interior shot of one of the company’s adult-use cannabis stores in Maine.
Preserving Downtown Character
4154 West Broadway currently houses the popular local eatery Marna’s Eatery and Lounge.
Barriball, who has owned the building for 35 years, spoke in favor of the new tenants, saying that a deal has been reached to keep Marna’s in the building by moving them to a different suite.
“So you’re not going to lose those guys,” Barriball said, referring to Marna’s. “They’ve been a big part of the community for quite a while, and I’ve worked out with these guys to keep them, and we’ve got a workable lease that keeps them viable.”
Mayor Brad Sutton emphasized the importance of maintaining the “vibe” of the downtown district, expressing relief that the business intends to avoid the “aggressive” lighting often associated with tobacco and smoke shops.
Next Steps
The council’s approval is “conditional,” meaning the business must still secure a final license from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. City staff will now work with the applicants on public safety regulations and additional permitting.
If the state licensing process remains on track, the dispensary is expected to open its doors in late summer or fall of 2026.
Council members expressed a desire to host a formal “meet and greet” with the owners to further integrate the business into the Robbinsdale community.
