Today marks a significant milestone for Fine Fettle as we celebrate five incredible years since we first opened our doors in Willimantic. Reflecting on this journey, it’s astonishing to see how far we’ve come—from our humble beginnings to becoming a multistate operator with 15 facilities, hundreds of jobs created, and a steadfast commitment to our values. As we commemorate this anniversary, we want to share our story, the challenges we’ve overcome, and our vision for the future.
The Early Days: Building from Scratch
In the early days, when customers were few and far between, our entire team took to the streets, leaving just one pharmacist and one dispensary tech in the store. We distributed flyers, visited doctors’ offices, and responded to every Facebook comment or post about medical marijuana in Connecticut. Our original team even built all the tables, chairs, and furniture by hand. This hands-on approach and dedication to customer service laid the foundation for what Fine Fettle is today.
Overcoming Challenges with a Customer-First Approach
When we first opened, Connecticut’s laws were challenging. Patients could only visit one dispensary, and switching required faxing the state. Despite this, we focused 100% on customer service, determined to build a community even when the system favored incumbents. This commitment to our customers has become the ethos of the Fine Fettle Fam.
Giving Back: Our Commitment to Community
From supporting the Trevor Project, Root Center, BARC, and the Last Prisoner Project to participating in Connecticut’s Pardons Day and having thousands of local paid volunteer hours, we have always prioritized giving back. Our core value, “Cherish our local communities,” drives us to support and uplift the communities we serve.
Honoring Our Team: The Backbone of Fine Fettle
Our success wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team. Special thanks to our original managers, Debbie and Dennis, and the entire first crew, many of whom are still with us: Miles, Kyle, David, Matt, Andrew Debbie, Dennis, and Hannah. Their hard work, dedication, and belief in our mission have been instrumental in our growth.
Expanding Our Reach: Growth and Innovation
Our expansion story is one of growth and innovation. From opening more stores in Connecticut to partnering with social equity partners, we are committed to expanding in an equitable and diverse way. Our farm and dispensaries in Massachusetts, along with a major indoor cultivation facility in Georgia, showcase our dedication to bringing quality cannabis products to more communities.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future
As we look to the future, our goals remain clear: create comfort in cannabis, do it the right way, stay humble, work hard, destigmatize cannabis, give back, and provide exceptional products and customer service across all our markets. We have so much more to accomplish, and we are excited about the journey ahead.
Thank You to Our Fine Fettle Fam
To everyone who has been a part of our Fine Fettle Fam, thank you. Your support, trust, and belief in our mission have been the driving force behind our success. Here’s to many more years of growth, community, and making a positive impact in the cannabis industry. Here's to celebrating five amazing years and looking forward to many more!