Hemp lounge brand gains traction

A lifestyle-based lounge concept has been gaining traction. Started 10 years ago in Atlanta, Cru Hemp Lounge is expanding throughout the United States and abroad after developing a following. In the past 12 months, the brand has signed franchise agreements in cities all over the country. In addition to five lounges opening in Atlanta, new franchise-owned Cru Hemp Lounges will be opening in such cities as Miami, Dallas, Nashville, the District of Columbia, and Charlotte, N.C., as well as on St. Thomas.

The concept features cocktails, tapas, hookah, smokable CBD flower, and CBD gummies in a 1,500- to 2,000-sq-ft. space with limited staff. Customers are limited to two-hour visits. 

“We knew with the popularity of the CBD and hemp products being mixed with a lounge style business model that we had something. We never imagined it would be as big as it is,” says CEO Dennis McKinley.

The company is positioning itself for market dominance if cannabis is legalized.