Dispensary co-owned by ‘Real Housewives’ star sets 3rd location

Kimberly Redmond//December 19, 2024//

The Dispensary of New Jersey is opening a new location in Saddle Brook, its third Garden State store.

The Dispensary of New Jersey is opening a new location in Saddle Brook, its third Garden State store. - PROVIDED BY THE DISPENSARY OF NJ

The Dispensary of New Jersey is opening a new location in Saddle Brook, its third Garden State store.

The Dispensary of New Jersey is opening a new location in Saddle Brook, its third Garden State store. - PROVIDED BY THE DISPENSARY OF NJ

Dispensary co-owned by ‘Real Housewives’ star sets 3rd location

Kimberly Redmond//December 19, 2024//

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A cannabis dispensary backed by the ex-husband of one of the “ of New Jersey” is preparing to add a third storefront in the Garden State.

Co-owned by Frank Catania and his sister, Lori Catania, The Dispensary of Saddle Brook will open next month at 225 Route 46 in Saddle Brook.

A soft opening is set for Jan. 6 followed by an official ribbon cutting Jan. 11. That event will feature exclusive product promotions and meet-and-greet opportunities with Frank Catania and other community leaders, according to a press release.

Billing itself as one of the state’s premier destinations “for elevated cannabis experiences,” the Dispensary of Saddle Brook will offer a comprehensive range of edibles, strains, concentrates, topicals and other products.

Citing growing demand “for a trusted and inviting space where cannabis enthusiasts, both novices and connoisseurs, can explore the vast world of cannabis,” the store aims to offer a space where customers will receive exceptional service and support.

The upcoming launch comes about eight months after the Dispensary of New Jersey brand made its retail debut in the Franklin section of Somerset and Union Township. The April 20 (4/20) grand opening drew state officials, like state Sen. Joseph Cryan, D-20th District, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, D-20th District, as well as fellow RHONJ stars Melissa Gorga and Joe Gorga.

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The Dispensary of New Jersey team celebrates the opening of the Union store on April 20, 2024.
The Dispensary of New Jersey team celebrates the opening of the Union store on April 20, 2024. Back row, from left: John Fuda, Marge Josephs, Frank Catania, Brittany Mattessich, Joe Benigno, Marge Josephs Sr., and (front row) Melissa Gorga and Joe Gorga. – PROVIDED BY THE DISPENSARY OF NJ

The Dispensary of New Jersey said it believes the expansion “represents the team’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality cannabis products and exceptional service to our growing community.”

Outside of RHONJ, Frank Catania was previously known as a lawyer. He has continuing involvement in several businesses. During Season 13 of the hit Bravo show, he spoke about his plans to venture into New Jersey’s cannabis space. 

During a January 2023 interview with TapInto Union, he said, “There are so many therapeutic sides to the entire cannabis industry. All of our people we have working for us are all educated to the point that they can educate every consumer who comes in.”

A spokesperson for the Dispensary of New Jersey told NJBIZ the business plans to “eventually” unveil additional dispensaries. So far, it doesn’t have any additional openings planned for the immediate future.

According to NorthJersey.com, the Haledon planning board rejected the brand’s proposal to open a dispensary earlier this year after objections from public officials and a would-be competitor.

New Jersey is home to a few other dispensaries affiliated with celebrities, including Viola in Hoboken (from former NBA standout Al Harrington) and Hashstoria in Newark (from Wu-Tang Clan rapper Raekwon the Chef).