alto-on-chambers

Here's to the Women Who Elevated the Industry

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:35:38 GMT

Here's to the Women Who Elevated the Industry

Strong women. Great cannabis. Iconic energy.

Cannabis would not be what it is today without the women who grow it, innovate within it, advocate for it, and build community around it. At Altocanna, we are proudly women-led and family-owned, built by tour sisters, one brother, and our parents, all working side by side to create something meaningful in our community. What started as a shared vision has grown into a dispensary rooted in trust, education, and heart.

This International Women's Day, we're celebrating the women who continue to push the industry forward and redefine what cannabis culture looks like every day. Behind many of your favorite products are women leading brands, snaping experiences, and raising the standard, literally. We’re proud to support women- owned and women-led brands that bring creativity, care, and serious expertise to the plant.

Todays a great day to

Discover a women-led brand you haven’t explored yet
Support makers shaping the future of cannabis
Share cannabis experiences that bring the community together

Thank you for supporting a women-led, family-run dispensary.

Good cannabis is powerful. Women in cannabis? Even more so.

From Downtown NY: Viva Italia: How to Have Your Own Italian Winter Olympics Downtown

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:46:41 GMT

From: DowntownNY.com

The 2026 Winter Olympics are right around the corner. Starting on February 6, the Italian regions of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will take center stage for all the pattinaggio su ghiaccio (ice skating) and lo sci alpino (Alpine skiing) action. But you don’t have to hop on your Vespa and scoot your way to Italia to join in on the fun. Heck, you don’t even have to Citi Bike up to Little Italy. Lower Manhattan is full of places that can help transport you to Il Bel Paese, whether you want to feel like an athlete, or just eat like an Olympic spectator. Here’s a guide for the Olympian inside of you — and find more delectable Italian spots in our Shop Dine Guide .

To warm up after hitting the ice

Anyone looking to carve up the ice like the Olympic ice skaters should make their way to the district’s ice skating rink at Brookfield Place . After freezing your butt off (or falling on it a few times), you can warm up and fuel up with the famed semolina roll Italian sandwiches at Parm Battery Park (250 Vessey St.). The shop’s chicken parm, meatball parm and chicken caprese sandwiches have legions of loyal fans, but you can also tuck in for a plate of pasta or cannoli desserts.

To do a biathlon of eating

The Olympic biathlon combines rifle shooting and cross-country skiing, which feels like two things that shouldn’t go together (and too many things to do at once, anyway). Instead of skiing and shooting, engage in a somewhat safer activity by combining flavors and meals at Eataly NYC Downtown (4 World Trade Center, 101 Liberty St.) You can mix and match from the market’s many vendors: For instance, you could shoot your shot with some dinner from Ravioli&Co, and then ski on over to Il Gelato for dessert.

To layer up for alpine skiing

Any skiing athlete will show up prepared for the winter chill with lots of professional layers. You don’t need the same level of heat tech to enjoy a good layer — just try the layers of lasagna at Da Claudio (21 Ann St.). The hearty dish comes with wagyu bolognese, tomato and béchamel sauce.

If you’re really into Italian art

Sculpture isn’t an olympic sport, but they should have given a gold medal to Arturo Di Modica anyway. The late Italian artist was the force behind the now-iconic Charging Bull statue outside of the New York Stock Exchange. He famously installed the piece in the middle of the night as a piece of guerilla art in 1987, but it soon became a permanent installation.

To lube up your luge

The luge is often considered the fastest sport at the winter Olympics, with the sled reaching speeds of up to 87 mph. If you want to try to go downhill that fast, you might want to oil up, and Best Sicily Bottega (87 Beaver St.) is the place to start. The compact market packs a lot of sandwiches, pastries and provisions into its space, including a notable collection of Sicilian olive oils.

For your own “Heated Rivalry” date

Hockey is hot hot hot right now thanks to the steamy hit show “Heated Rivalry.” You can have your own hot date while thinking about Olympic hockey by popping into Il Brigante (214 Front St.), a cozy trattoria where the brick oven used to make its crispy pizzas keeps the flames roaring and the intimate tables make plenty of space for talking, whether about hockey or, uh, anything else.

For dining like a bobsled team

The upstairs at Osteria Del Porto (212 Front St.) is great for quieter and intimate meals, but the downstairs is a bit livelier. The space boasts a communal dining counter, so you can still show up solo and feel like you’re part of a crew — while lined up in a row just like Olympic bobsledders.

For a pizza the size of a snowboard

The pies at Adrienne’s Pizzabar (54 Stone St.) are not quite as long as the boards the athletes will be using to shred the slopes in Italy…but they’re pretty close. The large grandma style pies can take up a good chunk of a table, and will definitely shred your appetite to bits.

If your favorite sport is sitting on the couch

Not everyone aspires to be a star athlete. Sometimes, you just really want to lock in as a spectator. For your mellow Olympic watching needs, head to AltoCanna (110 Chambers St.), the only state-licensed cannabis dispensary in the district. The joint is run by an Italian-American family from Queens, who chose the name Alto — which means “high” — to honor their Italian heritage. They infused the inside with welcoming, Italian-influenced hospitality as well.

If you’re really into skeleton

Skeleton is an incredibly fun sport that’s also a great way to break your bones if you don’t know what you’re doing. Instead of risking your own skeleton, choose from the bone-related options at Carne Mare (89 South St.): you can get a boneless rib eye, or go all in on the skeleton and get a plate of roasted bone marrow.

For the cross-country skiers

Cross-country skiing can seem like drudgery for anyone not familiar with the sport, but fans find it to be satisfying hard work. The same can be true for the process of making fresh pasta, in which the process is tough but the rewards are delicious. That’s the case at Giardino D’Oro (5 Gold St.), which makes all its pasta right on the premises.

If you love the Nordic combined

This event mixes cross country skiing and ski jumping, a combination of two related but different things that go well together. Try your own “combined” option by grabbing a meal at Harry’s Italian (2 Gold St.) where old-fashioned square pizza pies pair well with a cocktail menu featuring spritzes, negronis and the occasional wintry frozen drink.

If you like curling … your pepperoni into cups

In curling, athletes try to slide a “rock” across the ice to land on a target. If getting the kind of pepperoni that curls into cups is your target meal, hit up Siena Pizza and Cannoli (14 Rector St.), which specializes in the greasy, cupped pepperoni that will likely rock your tastebuds.

To host your own watch party for high rollers

The Olympics are a great reason to blow off work and binge obscure sports for two weeks. If you want to really ball out and drop a lot of Euros on a watch party, you might as well go big and rent out Cipriani Wall Street (55 Wall St.). The landmarked venue has 70-foot high ceilings, monolithic columns and can fit up to 2,000 guests. It’s also a piece of authentic Italian lineage: The Cipriani brand dates back to Giuseppe Cipriani Sr., who opened Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1931, where he’s credited with creating the iconic Bellini cocktail.

Valentine’s Day ‘Flowers’ That Sets the Mood

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:03:30 GMT

Valentine’s Day is creeping up, and let’s be real…chocolate and flowers are cute, but cannabis? That’s a whole mood. Whether you’re flying solo, vibing with your boo, or just want to ignite some sparks , Altocanna’s got the goods to turn up the heat.

From strains that make you giggle like your first crush, to edibles that whisper “maybe it’s the weed, maybe it’s chemistry…” ...we’ve curated the perfect Valentine’s Day selection.

Because nothing says “I love you” like a little extra love in the air … and maybe some red-hot relaxation. LOVE Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans is a world-famous aphrodisiac that will make your bed levitate.

LOVE Drops boosts arousal through a blend of cannabis and five herbal aphrodisiacs. Swallowable pills with a rapid onset of 20 minutes.

Presidential Rove Moon Rock Blunt : slow-burning, ultra-potent, and made for indulgent nights.

Turn up the romance with Sluggers JUICED Rose —quad-infused, kief-rolled prerolls made for smooth, indulgent Valentine’s nights.

Fall in love with Mechanic Farm Red Rose —this balanced hybrid blends floral berry notes with uplifting, calming vibes for Valentine’s Day.

Set the mood with RYTHM Rose Gold Runtz —solventless live rosin with rich terps and a velvet-smooth finish.

Alto’s Flower Market is OPEN!

Valentine’s week at our dispensary comes with a little extra romance. In addition to products designed to spark the mood, we’ll be offering discounted flower bouquets in-store. Because nothing says “I planned ahead” like great cannabis and fresh flowers in one stop.

ADDITIONAL DELICIOUS EDIBLES FOR VALENTINES DAY

An Elevated Day in Tribeca

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:39:18 GMT

Tribeca is best enjoyed without an agenda. A little cannabis sets the tone for wandering, noticing the details, and letting the day unfold naturally…no rush, no pressure, just good energy and a great neighborhood.

Here are a few ways to spend the day that always feel like a good idea:

Walk the West Side Highway – River views, fresh air, and a reset button for your brain. Bonus points at golden hour.
Shop at Brookfield Place – Equal parts retail, people-watching, and “just popping in.”
Visit Mercer Labs – Immersive, trippy, and surprisingly perfect for slowing down and taking it all in.

Explore the Oculus, One World Trade & Westfield – Architectural eye candy, luxury shopping, and an easy way to lose track of time.
Walk or Citi Bike the Brooklyn Bridge – Tourist behavior, yes—but still undefeated.
Stroll the Tribeca Side Streets – Cobblestones, cast-iron buildings, and that quiet NYC flex.

Grab a Coffee and Linger – Tribeca rewards taking your time. No rush, no rules.

From ABC7NY: Office of Cannabis Management says dozens of licensed shops are actually too close to schools

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 14:53:37 GMT

From: ABC7NY.com

NEW YORK (WABC) -- When New York State started licensing dispensaries like Alto on Chambers Street, part of the goal was to right the wrongs of the past.

But now the agency that regulates the shops claims it needs to right a newly discovered wrong.

The Office Of Cannabis Management admits it made the mistake of licensing dozens of dispensaries that are within 500 feet of schools by measuring the distance to the door instead of the property line.

In a memo to its staff, it said "this approach did not align with" the law.

Now dispensary owners are hoping they don't have to move.

"It wasn't our error. This error wasn't mad e on our side, or our part," Alto Dispensary co-owner Daniela Savocchi said.

The downtown dispensary is a family business.

"It was shocking to us. We followed the application process in good faith. The location was approved by the state," Andre Savocchi said.

Despite being surrounded by empty storefronts, the dispensary draws continuous foot traffic.

It's not clear which school it is too close to but the state says it's in violation by just 17 feet.

"I hope the state decides that anybody who is in violation of said law are able to be grandfathered into the space that they were approved for, originally," Nicole Savocchi said.

In an interview for Up Close with Bill Ritter, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she wants lawmakers to do essentially that.

"We'll make sure we get the changes in the legislature, because I don't want anyone who's worked so hard and put their heart and soul into this business to be subjected to something that was more of a bureaucratic screwup but has real-life consequences," Hochul said.

The OCM acknowledges the mess up, but still intends to enforce the rule.

"If we expect the cannabis community to follow the law and OCM's rules, then we must, too," the OCM said.

The Savocchis hope to see a wrong righted so they can stay in the beloved shop they opened last year, with each sibling bringing their own skills to the business.

"And here we are together, selling weed with our parents," Stephanie Savocchi said.

The agency is not asking anyone to cease operations or move. The OCM, in partnership with the governor's office, is aggressively seeking legislative solutions to allow folks to stay put, it says.

Applicants impacted by the correction may apply for the Applicant Relief Program , receiving $250k for expenses related to their location.

From AMNY: Family-run Tribeca dispensary among 89 NYC shops in limbo after cannabis law misstep; Hochul vows no closures amid scramble for legislative fix

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 14:50:21 GMT

From: AMNY.com

ABOVE: Stephanie Savocchi, co-founder of Alto dispensary, works behind the counter at the family-run cannabis shop in Tribeca on Aug. 1. The business is among dozens statewide impacted by a state zoning miscalculation now under legislative review.

Photo by Adam daly

Gov. Kathy Hochul is promising that 89 licensed cannabis dispensaries in New York City, and dozens more statewide, will not be forced to shut down after the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that those retail dispensary locations are out of compliance with the state’s proximity rules.

The OCM informed the 152 cannabis businesses and license applicants statewide on Monday that, following an internal review, the state body had not been properly applying the law that prohibits any cannabis retail storefront from operating within 500 feet of school grounds.

Since its inception in 2022, OCM has been using an incorrect method to assess the dispensary’s distance from school grounds: measuring from entrance to entrance.

Under the corrected approach and stricter interpretation of the 2021 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, OCM is now measuring the distance as a straight line from the dispensary’s main entrance to the nearest school property line.

Applicants and 108 licensed businesses across the state were notified that their proposed or current locations do not comply with the law, leaving them in limbo to wait for a resolution or search for alternative premises.

The majority of those affected are in the five boroughs, with 38 applicants and 89 licensees located in non-compliant zones.

For Alto , a family-run dispensary in Tribeca, a miscalculation of fewer than 20 feet has pushed them out of compliance with state cannabis law — leaving the Savocchi family blindsided and grappling with the possibility of having to rebuild their business from the ground up.

“We got the email at like, three minutes to five this past Monday, and I couldn’t even believe what I was reading,” said André Savocchi, one of five siblings who opened Alto alongside their parents last Labor Day weekend. “I was silent for the rest of the day; it just didn’t seem real.”

The Savocchi family said they followed the rules to the letter, navigated the state’s complex cannabis laws, and turned a shuttered bar that had sat vacant for two years into a sleek dispensary.

Renovations were extensive and expensive. “The air conditioning alone was over $100,000,” Sandra, the family’s matriarch, said, adding that the building had to be converted to electric due to a gas leak.

“They told us, yes,” Sandra recalled. “The OCM had to measure and tell us, ‘Yes, this is a viable location. You can proceed.” Now, they will have to wait at least another five months before they know their fate.

“We’re still having sleepless nights,” she said, despite assurances from the state.

Alto operates under a 12-year lease with a five-year extension option and recently took on six non-family staff members amid its growing customer base.

“We just want to stay in the location we built, the one that was approved from the beginning,” André said. He recalled the difficulty of securing a compliant location and a landlord willing to lease to a cannabis business, noting that many had federal mortgage restrictions.

The idea of relocating now, he said, “seems like it would be impossible.”

Since news broke Monday, Gov. Hochul has been steadfast in assuring those affected that they will “not be punished for the failures of past OCM leadership.”

“At her direction, the State is taking immediate action to support cannabis store owners impacted by this issue,” a spokesperson for the Governor said. “We are laser-focused on making sure these small business owners, who have poured their heart and soul into these shops, aren’t left paying the price for the previous leadership’s screw-up.”

According to a senior official in Hochul’s office, the governor was briefed on the situation recently and “furious” about the impact on small businesses. She reportedly convened staff immediately after learning of the problem and directed OCM to find a resolution “with the least amount of harm possible.”

At the governor’s direction, OCM on Monday released an advisory assuring current license holders that no renewal decisions will be made until lawmakers can consider a fix, which could possibly be when the state legislature convenes at the beginning of next year.

The Savocchi family remains hopeful. They say they’ve received a supportive phone call from OCM staff and feel that the state body wants to do right by them, even as uncertainty weighs on them.

“Now, it’s torturous,” Sandra added. “A waiting game. You don’t know which way to go.”

The OCM stated that for license holders who are due to renew during the limbo period, the State Administrative Produce Act will allow them to operate under the expired license if they submit their renewal application “timely and sufficient.”

“OCM will consider a renewal application ‘timely’ if the licensee submits for renewal on or before the date their license expires,” according to an advisory . “OCM will consider the licensee’s renewal application “sufficient” if there are no significant deficiencies in the application. If such conditions are met, the OCM will consider such a licensee eligible to continue operating.”

Hochul also directed the creation of a $15 million applicant relief program, which offers up to $250,000 in assistance to impacted applicants who have not yet opened.

That program does not apply to current licensees, though the governor said she is committed to ensuring none are “punished” for the “screw-up” of prior OCM leadership.

Speaking to NY1 yesterday , Governor Hochul was asked whether existing dispensaries could be grandfathered in through an exemption to the current proximity statute.

“I’d like to do that,” Hochul responded. “I don’t want them hurt. They’re part of our community already, they’re working hard, they waited a long time for this, and, basically, I don’t want them screwed.”

The OCM did not immediately respond to a request for comment or to provide the names and locations of impacted businesses, though Gothamist previously published the full list.

The body stated that it will propose and actively pursue legislation that would allow affected licensees to remain at their current locations. However, the agency emphasized that passage of the proposed legislation is at the discretion of the state Legislature and “not a guarantee.”

“If the Legislature does not amend the law or amends the law in a fashion that does not remedy a license location’s noncompliance with the Cannabis Law, the renewal application must be
denied,” the advisory reads.

Given the uncertainty, Jeffrey Hoffman, a cannabis attorney whose clients are among the affected, believes the OCM and Cannabis Control Board will be on the hook for “significant damages” over the faux pas.

“That is why they are trying to get out in front of it, admitting their error, and offering something to those impacted,” Hoffman told amNewYork.

When asked about the legal course of the affected licensees and applicants, Hoffman predicts there will be “lawsuits all the way down.”

“The state has significant exposure to liability. A legislative fix may work, but it’s not clear to me that it’s a certainty,” he said, noting that at the moment, open stores are not guaranteed they will be able to renew their licenses at their current locations, while applicants who had proximity protection at now non-viable locations will not be able to open.

“If they are not very well capitalized, this might be the end of the road for them,” Hoffman said of the implications for cannabis entrepreneurs, many of whom spent years navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

“Imagine being locked into a 10-year lease or worse, having bought a building at a location you can no longer use,” he added.

From Fox5 NY: Cannabis shops forced to close over oversight issue

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 20:24:10 GMT

NOTE: Alto is still open currently.

From: Fox 5

Dozens of legal cannabis shops across New York are now at risk of shutting down after a costly oversight by state cannabis officials. FOX 5 NY's Kendall Green has the story.

‘Alto’ come il destino, ‘Canna’ come la cannabis: la rivincita dei ciociari Savocchi nel cuore di Manhattan

Thu, 22 May 2025 14:18:23 GMT

From: Frosinone News

Da Monte S. Giovanni Campano a New York dove è diventato imprenditore della cannabis e ha costruito un impero: Guido Savocchi si racconta

Dalla Ciociaria, più precisamente dalle strade (all’epoca) quasi rurali di Monte San Giovanni Campano alle luci abbaglianti di New York City, passando per un arresto e diventando uno dei primi dispensari legali di cannabis a Lower Manhattan. È la storia di Guido Savocchi, 73 anni, patriarca di una famiglia italoamericana che oggi sorride al successo dopo una vita fatta di sfide, cadute, coraggio e – soprattutto – riscatto.

In un elegante angolo di Chambers Street, a pochi passi da Wall Street, a 200 metri neppure dal Ponte di Brooklyn, c’è ‘Alto Canna’: non solo un nome, ma un manifesto. Un gioco di parole che riconduce al significato di ‘alticcio’, come quello stato di leggera euforia che la cannabis può indurre. È qui che si celebra ogni giorno la vittoria di una famiglia che non ha mai smesso di crederci. E la loro è una storia che sembra scritta per il cinema.

“Ero un ragazzino povero, spaesato e affamato d’America”, esordisce Savocchi, divenuto oggi un lungimirante ed acuto imprenditore. Quando Guido arrivò a New York con la sua famiglia aveva solo 13 anni. “Vieni qui, vedi una città enorme, dici: ma dove cavolo sono?”, racconta con ironia ma anche con la voce spezzata da un passato difficile. Per anni ha lottato per sopravvivere in un mondo che non lo aspettava. Fino all’episodio che avrebbe segnato per sempre la sua vita: l’arresto per spaccio . Guido aveva un fast food, che andava piuttosto bene, ma anche una grande fame di denaro. E allora, seppur senza mai fumare in vita sua – come precisa lo stesso manager – decise di vendere illegalmente erba. E fu beccato. Una macchia, certo. Ma anche – incredibilmente – l’innesco della sua attuale fortuna.

Il giorno che ha cambiato tutto

È il 2022. Alla radio, la moglie Sandra sente una notizia destinata a cambiare le sorti della famiglia: lo Stato di New York legalizza la cannabis e offre licenze prioritarie a chi, in passato, era stato condannato per reati legati alla marijuana . “Sandra mi chiamò piangendo” racconta Guido. “Mi disse: ‘Guido, questa è la tua occasione’”.

E così è stato. Oggi ‘Alto Canna’ è un tempio della legal weed, frequentato da giovani, manager, turisti e veterani del quartiere. “Abbiamo più fila noi che un supermercato all’ora di punta. Addirittura vantiamo clienti che potrebbero essere i miei genitori, gente di 95 anni!” racconta ilare l’imprenditore, fiero padre di cinque figli che oggi, assieme a sua moglie, gestiscono l’attività: loro sono Andreé, Stephanie, Nicole, Sara e Daniela. Un visionario che grazie all’amore e al supporto della sua splendida famiglia ha creato un vero impero.

Una rivoluzione italiana a Manhattan

In nemmeno 8 mesi, ‘Alto Canna’ ha creato un business unico. Ma più dei numeri, a colpire è lo spirito con cui la famiglia porta avanti il suo commercio: elegante, inclusivo, trasparente. Niente scorciatoie, niente criminalità. “Qui non c’è spazio per la mafia” dice Guido. “Lo Stato controlla tutto: da chi vende a dove si compra. Solo fattorie autorizzate. Il crimine resta fuori. Su tutti i pacchetti ci sono i sigilli di Stato e ogni avventore compra solo dopo la visione del documento di identità e della patente”. Fiori, sigarette pre-roll, vaporizzatori, concentrati e commestibili: l’attività della famiglia Savocchi offre un’ampia scelta, rivolta solo a maggiori di 21 anni. Si tratta di un ventaglio di prodotti che vanno da quelli a scopo terapeutico a quelli a uso ricreativo, contenti THC con percentuali non legali in Italia, autorizzate, invece, nello Stato di New York.

Delivery, sostenibilità e visione: il futuro è oggi

Il negozio ora offre anche la consegna a domicilio : ordini online e in pochi minuti un rider in bicicletta ti porta la cannabis direttamente a casa. Un modello che guarda al futuro, ma con radici ben piantate nella tradizione. Sul sito dell’attività si legge: “Da Alto Canna a TriBeCa, New York, offriamo consegne di cannabis rapide e affidabili non solo alla nostra comunità locale, ma anche ai quartieri circostanti. Che tu sia a SoHo, nel Financial District, a Battery Park o ancora più a nord nel Greenwich Village, il nostro servizio ti garantisce di ricevere i tuoi prodotti di cannabis premium direttamente a casa, senza problemi. Il nostro team si impegna a garantire che il processo di ordinazione sia impeccabile e che la consegna avvenga tempestivamente, garantendo la qualità dal momento in cui scegli il prodotto fino al momento in cui lo ricevi”.

L’intervista a Guido Savocchi

Com’è stato aprire un dispensario legale a Manhattan dopo il suo passato?
“Una rivincita. All’inizio non ci credevo. Pensavo fosse uno scherzo del destino. Ma poi ho capito che era una seconda possibilità, e me la sono presa”.

L’Italia? Rimane nel cuore?
“Ci torno sempre, due o tre volte l’anno. E sogno un giorno di aprire il primo negozio di cannabis legale in via del Corso, nel cuore della Bella Vita”. Ride, ma chissà…

Cos’è Alto Canna per lei oggi?
“È tutto. È il nostro riscatto, la dimostrazione che anche dagli errori può nascere qualcosa di buono”.

Ha un messaggio per l’Italia?
“Siate coraggiosi. La legalizzazione è un’opportunità, non un pericolo. E i nostri giovani meritano un futuro più giusto e roseo”.

Guido Visocchi conclude la nostra chiacchierata aggiungendo : “Nel negozio accettiamo euro, pounds inglesi e dollari canadesi, anche! Siamo il primo negozio di proprietà italiana in tutto lo Stato di New York, abbiamo molti turisti italiani che vengono a comprare e lo ammetto…abbiamo per loro un occhio di riguardo! Gli regaliamo magliette, gadget, un vero caffè espresso e un pre-rolled (cannabis già pronta da fumare). Vorrei vedere più italiani dalla nostra provincia…”.

‘Alto Canna’ non è solo un negozio. È un simbolo. È l’America dei sogni che si fa reale, con accento ciociaro e cuore grande.

High, There! Cannabis Dispensary Alto Greets Nabe With Italian-Infused Hospitality

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:17:54 GMT

Lower Manhattan’s first legal cannabis dispensary is here, and it’s a family affair.

Alto , which opened at 100 Chambers St. in September, is a labor of love run by five siblings from Little Neck, Queens. With an assist from their mother and father, the whole operation is a family business, and when you’re here, even you feel like you’re a part of the clan – everything from the decor to the overall vibe is warm and welcoming.

“Working with my family has been great, but also the whole industry, the neighborhood too,” co-owner Stephanie Savocchi told the Downtown Alliance. “We’ve been really well-received, and we feel very blessed, honestly.”

Alto means “high” in Italian, and the siblings — including Stephanie, Nicole and Daniela, who were interviewed for this piece — chose the name to honor their Italian heritage, specifically their Italian-born father. When the siblings were young, their father was arrested on a cannabis-related charge, which eventually made him eligible for the state’s Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries license designed to give justice-involved New Yorkers a leg up on the new legal weed market. After their mother heard about the program on 1010 WINS, the siblings, who had long advocated getting into the legal cannabis market, saw their window.

The Chambers Street shop looks different than other dispensaries. Instead of keeping the goods under sterile glass cases, products are colorfully displayed on shelves lining the walls, and flowers brighten the space with streetlamp fixtures adding a classy touch. The front of the store doubles as a flower shop — the other kind of flowers.

“We want it to feel like it’s more of a homey vibe,” Stephanie said. “Other dispensaries maybe seem a little clinical … We want to steer away from that.”

That means that instead of being met with a wall of touch-screen kiosks to take your order, customers are directed to a real person (often one of the siblings) who can provide consultation and guidance (and there is still one kiosk, for the shy).

“We help them with every purchase, asking the right questions, figuring out what they need,” Stephanie said. “And most of the time, they take our recommendation.”

Alto will soon offer more than just retail. The storefront was previously a dive bar that shut down during the pandemic, and the upstairs still has a bar space that the dispensary will be using for events, including educational and brand pop-ups.

So far, the shop’s success has encouraged the Savocchi siblings to get even more involved in the budding business. Stephanie plans to leave her 20-year career in the hair care industry to work at the shop full time. Another sibling recently left a corporate career in veterinary medicine to join the team. Though, as is the case with most families, not every moment is paradise. As the Savocchis work out the kinks of new business ownership — and, crucially, how to work with one another — each day brings at least one in-family spat, Daniela says.

“But then we ask each other, ‘What are you having for lunch?’ ” she said. “And everything’s swept under the rug.”

And as for their father, who’s the reason for the shop in the first place? Nicole says he’s a big fan and a frequent visitor.

“He comes here to just putter around all day,” she said.

From: DowntownNY.com

From Leafly: Alto Dispensary is a family affair in Tribeca

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:58:00 GMT

FROM LEAFLY

Smoking a joint with your siblings is a sacred teenage tradition, something that bonds you across clouds of smoke—a furtive secret you all keep from your parents. For the five Savocchi siblings, it seemed an innocent enough past time during their childhood in Queens. But it was also prequel to their eventual entry into New York’ adult-use cannabis industry.

Now, on the streets of Tribeca, locals, tourists, and medical patients alike can stop and smell both the literal and cannabis flowers of Alto dispensary. It’s quite literally a family affair—siblings André, Stephanie, Nicole, Daniela, and Sarah, and parents Guido and Sandra man the ship and tend the bar, even as most of them juggle day jobs (for now).

“It’s been a wild ride to get here.” Nicole Savocchi
The five siblings smoked together, but their parents were hip too—it was Guido’s cannabis arrest in the ‘90s that qualified them for the license, though the interest had been there for years. Sandra was the first to alert the family after hearing about the passing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in 2021.

“I heard it on the radio going to work,” she says. “When I heard that this program was available, I’m like, ‘this is for us.’ Right away, I phoned André, and I said, ‘I just heard this, this and this. It’s going to be a difficult process I hear, but we have to do it.’ And he ran with it.”

André is the baby of the family, but he’s the driving force behind Alto. He’d delved the deepest into the cannabis world, including research in other states, and is the only sibling full-time at the store. During its intense renovation, he donned a white hazmat suit and got his hands dirty.

“At times, it definitely kind of feels like we’re building a plane as we’re flying it, just trying to navigate this new landscape. To now be open, we’re all just definitely happy to be here and be a part of the Tribeca community. There’s definitely a unique synergy and chemistry in our work.” André Savocchi

He also curates the store’s menu, which includes multi-state brands like Wyld Gummies, Kiva Confections, and Select vapes as well as local hits like MFNY concentrates and Umami flower. The menu has to reflect all the multitudes of New York, just like the shop’s environment.

Customers waltzing through Tribeca’s artsy alleys won’t find anyone not named Savocchi on the floor by design. It should feel like coming to your cool family friend’s house, whether you want something to liven up your evening or have a need for something medicinal.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near youIf you don’t partake, you can still buy the other kind of flowers in the front of the store. Alto’s Tribeca shop also has a second-floor space that will one day (Office of Cannabis Management permitting) become an events and consumption lounge.

Until then, if you’re in Tribeca, why not stop in and smell the flowers?

“I think when we’re all together, we’re not workers. We all have that level of dedication. People walk in, they’re like, ‘Oh, this feels so nice here. This definitely feels like a family vibe,’ even before they even know we’re family. They can actually feel that energy.” Stephanie Savocchi

From Best of NY: The Story Behind Alto

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:29:00 GMT

FROM BEST OF NEW YORK : Family, Resilience, and Social Justice: The Story Behind Alto, New York’s Women-Owned Cannabis Dispensary

The Savocchi family founded Alto with a mission that is as deeply personal as it is ambitious. Drawing on their shared commitment to community and social justice, they envisioned a dispensary that seamlessly combines top-tier cannabis products with an inviting, community-driven atmosphere. Inspired in part by their father’s past conviction, they’ve made it their mission to create a business that not only thrives but also gives back, advocating for equity in an industry still emerging from the shadows of criminalization.

The family brings a unique dynamic to the business, combining their distinct strengths and perspectives to shape a dispensary that feels familial and approachable. With contributions from every member — father, mother, brother Andre, and sisters Nicole, Stephanie, Daniela, and Sarah — the Savocchis infuse their passion and talents into every aspect of the business, making Alto a true family affair.

Located in the heart of Tribeca, Alto embodies inclusivity, warmth, and expertise, serving as a beacon for customers seeking quality and connection. From navigating New York’s evolving cannabis regulations to educating first-time users, the team has faced challenges head-on, with a resilience rooted in their family bond. Their journey reflects a broader vision — to help lead the cannabis industry toward a future of sustainability, equity, and exceptional service.

What inspired you to start Alto, and how did your journey as sisters shape the vision for your dispensary?
The inspiration behind Alto came from a combination of personal passion and family legacy. Our father’s past conviction played a significant role in motivating us. It fueled our desire to be a part of changing the landscape, using our business as a way to give back to the community, fight for justice, and break down barriers in an industry that’s still healing from years of criminalization. For us, Alto is a family project — rooted in love, resilience, and a shared mission to make a positive impact. Our brother, Andre, was always deeply interested in the cannabis industry and had his sights set on it from the very beginning. He wanted to move to California when cannabis became legal there, learning firsthand what it took to make a business in the industry thrive. So, when cannabis was legalized in New York, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring our family together and turn his dream into reality.

As sisters, our bond and shared experiences definitely shaped Alto’s vision. Growing up, we were always a close-knit family, and that connection has carried over into how we run the business. We wanted Alto to feel like more than just a dispensary – it’s a place where people can feel welcome, understood, and supported. Our brother’s vision combined with our sisterly touch helped shape Alto into a space that’s not only focused on great products but also on creating a warm, welcoming environment for our community.

Alto is a majority women-owned and social justice-owned business. How does this identity influence your approach to running the dispensary and serving the community?
Being a majority women-owned and social justice-driven business deeply influences everything we do at Alto. As sisters (and brother), we’ve always been advocates for equality, fairness, and community support, and these values are at the heart of how we run the dispensary. We are committed to creating a space where everyone feels valued, regardless of their background or identity.

Our approach to service is rooted in kindness, empathy, and education. We’re passionate about making sure that our customers feel informed and empowered when they walk through our doors. We take pride in creating a welcoming environment that reflects our belief in social equity and inclusivity, which is essential to the cannabis industry’s growth, especially after the harm caused by past policies.

Ultimately, Alto’s identity as a women-owned and social justice-focused business shapes everything we do — from how we interact with customers to how we source and support local products. It’s not just about selling cannabis; it’s about creating change and being part of a larger movement toward equity and opportunity.

As pioneers under New York's CAURD program, what challenges have you faced in navigating the cannabis industry, and how have you overcome them?
As pioneers under New York’s CAURD (Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary) program, we've faced a range of challenges, but we've also had the privilege of being part of a historic moment for the cannabis industry in New York. Navigating this new frontier has definitely had its hurdles, but our family’s resilience has helped us overcome them.

One of the biggest challenges we encountered was the complexity of the regulatory landscape. The cannabis industry is highly regulated, and understanding and adhering to all of New York’s legal requirements was no small feat. The state has worked hard to ensure that the transition to legal cannabis is equitable, but this also meant that there were a lot of moving parts to figure out – everything from obtaining our license to ensuring compliance with zoning laws and security protocols.

The stigma around cannabis still exists, even in a state where it's now legal. We’ve worked hard to educate our community, customers, about the benefits of cannabis and the importance of de-stigmatizing its use.
Building the culture we envisioned at Alto has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Since our entire team is family, we’ve been able to create a truly unique environment where everyone shares the same vision. We wanted Alto to be a place where customers feel welcomed, valued, and connected. It’s been a journey of working together to ensure our values of inclusivity, professionalism, and care are reflected in every interaction. While we continue to evolve, we’re incredibly proud of the close-knit, supportive family culture we’ve built and the space we've created for our community.

Overall, the journey has had its tough moments, but our family bond, and commitment to being part of New York's cannabis revolution have kept us focused. We’re excited to continue paving the way for others in the industry and to serve our community with the care and respect it deserves.

Your dispensary is known for its premium selection of cannabis products. How do you ensure quality and diversity in your offerings, and what does your curation process look like?
We are passionate about staying informed on the latest trends, strains, and innovations in the cannabis industry, so we’re always on the lookout for new, premium products. Whether it’s flower, edibles, concentrates, or topicals, we make sure we’re offering products that are not only top-quality but also diverse in terms of effects, flavors, and uses.

We also listen closely to our customers' feedback, which plays a big role in shaping our inventory. Their preferences, questions, and requests help us fine-tune our selection to make sure we're always offering what our community is looking for.

Education is a key focus for Alto. How do you approach educating your customers about cannabis, especially those who are new to it?
Whether someone is a first-time user or just looking to try something new, we provide personalized recommendations that are tailored to their unique situation.

We make sure that we are knowledgeable about all aspects of cannabis — from different strains and consumption methods to dosage and safety. This allows us to explain the effects and benefits of various products, helping customers make informed decisions. We also offer educational series by hosting events with our vendors, where customers can learn more about cannabis in a relaxed and interactive environment.
Our goal is to empower our customers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices that align with their lifestyle. We’re not just selling products — we’re helping people feel more confident and comfortable in their cannabis journey, whether they’re trying it for the first time or looking to deepen their knowledge.

Why did you choose TriBeCa as the location for Alto, and how does the neighborhood’s character align with your dispensary’s mission?
We wanted Alto to be in a community that values quality, inclusivity, and innovation.Choosing Tribeca was a no brainer for us. Tribeca is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that blends rich history with a modern, progressive spirit — values that resonate deeply with our mission. Tribeca also has a mix of both long-time locals and newcomers, giving us the opportunity to reach a broad range of people.
As women in a predominantly male industry, what advice would you give to other women looking to enter or make an impact in the cannabis space?
The cannabis industry is evolving, and there's still a lot of room for diverse voices and perspectives, especially from women. Some lessons learned are; Don’t shy away from speaking up and sharing your ideas. Be confident in the value you bring to the table. Also as women, we often face the pressure to conform to traditional industry norms or expectations. But don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and chart your own path. Your intuition, creativity, and empathy are strengths in this industry, and they can drive you to build a business or career that reflects your values and passions.
How do you ensure that Alto operates ethically and sustainably, both in terms of sourcing products and engaging with the community?
At Alto, we are committed to operating ethically and sustainably, both in sourcing products and engaging with our community. We work closely with local, and small-scale producers who use sustainable, eco-friendly practices, and prioritize fair labor standards. We also ensure full compliance with New York State's cannabis laws, maintaining transparency in sourcing and operations to provide safe, legal, and high-quality products.
Sustainability is a priority in our daily operations, from eco-conscious packaging to minimizing waste. At Alto, we believe that business success is measured not just by profits, but by how responsibly we serve our customers and community.
What role has cannabis played in your personal lives, and how has that shaped the values and mission of Alto?
All of us have personally experienced the benefits of cannabis for stress relief, creativity, and even managing health conditions. This understanding has driven our deep commitment to bringing safe, high-quality products to others.
Our mission at Alto is rooted in a desire to create a space where people can feel comfortable exploring cannabis, whether they’re new to it or experienced users. We’ve also seen firsthand the injustice caused by cannabis criminalization, especially within marginalized communities. Our father’s past conviction inspired us to be part of changing the narrative around cannabis, advocating for social equity, and supporting those impacted by the war on drugs.
What are your long-term goals for Alto, both as a business and as a platform for social justice in the cannabis industry?
Our long-term goals for Alto are focused on creating an exceptional, personalized experience for our customers while continuing to grow as a trusted, premium dispensary. We want to expand our selection of high-quality, curated cannabis products, always ensuring that we offer a diverse range to meet the unique needs of our community.
We also plan to enhance the Alto experience by offering more educational resources, events, and workshops to help our customers make informed choices and feel confident in their cannabis journey. Our vision is to be more than just a dispensary — we want Alto to be a destination where people feel valued, understood, and empowered, every time they walk through our doors.
Ultimately, we aim to build a brand that’s synonymous with quality, warmth, and expertise, providing a truly standout experience in the cannabis industry.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the cannabis industry, especially in New York, and how do you see Alto on Chambers contributing to that future?
At Alto, we see ourselves as an integral part of this future. Our goal is to contribute to the industry by setting a high standard for customer experience, offering premium products, and ensuring that everyone — whether a first-time user or an experienced cannabis connoisseur — feels educated, comfortable, and supported. Located on Chambers Street in Tribeca, we’re proud to be part of New York’s vibrant community and cannabis revolution. We aim to be a trusted resource for people in the neighborhood and beyond, providing a space where cannabis isn’t just a product, but part of a lifestyle centered around wellness, connection, and education.
As the industry continues to mature, we hope to be a model for other dispensaries — showing that a focus on quality, expertise, and a welcoming atmosphere can elevate the entire customer experience and set the bar for cannabis retail in New York and beyond.

From HoneySuckle: A New Chapter Begins at 110 Chambers Street: Alto, TriBeCa’s First Licensed Cannabis Dispensary

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 21:52:00 GMT

FROM: HONEYSUCKLEMAG.COM: Alto Dispensary, TriBeCa’s first licensed cannabis shop, opens at 110 Chambers Street on October 10. This family-owned dispensary emphasizes personalized care and community connection. Join the grand opening for gifts, sweet treats, and local brand education.

Get ready, TriBeCa! A new vibe is coming to 110 Chambers Street with the grand opening of Alto, the neighborhood’s first licensed cannabis dispensary. On Thursday, October 10 at 11:00 AM, this family-owned and operated shop will officially open its doors, and you won't want to miss it.

A Nod to HistoryAlto takes over the iconic space that was once home to The Patriot Saloon, a beloved dive bar that was a favorite haunt of local politicians, journalists, and anyone else looking for a good time near City Hall. As you step into Alto, you’ll notice that they’ve kept the charm of the previous tenant intact, preserving the original flooring, windows, wood pillars, and the storefront that has seen many a good time. It’s a perfect blend of history and modernity, making it a welcoming spot for both longtime locals and newcomers.

The Grand Opening EventThe festivities kick off with heartfelt remarks from the Savocchi family, the co-founders behind this exciting venture. After the speeches, there’ll be a Q&A session for the press and, of course, the official ribbon cutting to mark this significant moment. It’s not just about cutting a ribbon, though; it’s about inviting the community into a space that prioritizes personalized care and education.
And here’s a little something to sweeten the deal: anyone who visits Alto on opening day will receive a gift with purchase, plus fresh flowers as a token of appreciation. Because who doesn’t love a little floral surprise with their cannabis?

Sweet Treats and Local LoveFrom 3:00 to 7:00 PM, the celebration continues with a sweet treat station offering delicious desserts for all guests. Nothing says “welcome” quite like indulging in some tasty snacks while exploring the world of cannabis!

Plus, some of New York’s own local brands will be there to join the fun. Expect to see familiar names like DANK, Camino, Hudson, Curaleaf, Ghost, Rove, Florette, and MFNY. These brands will be on hand to educate visitors about their legal and regulated products and to give away some cool brand swag. It’s a great opportunity to learn while having fun!

A Family AffairWhat sets Alto apart from other dispensaries is its family-oriented approach. Co-Founder Andre Savocchi emphasizes that when you walk through Alto’s doors, you’re not just another customer; you’re part of their extended family. “Myself or one of my four sisters will personally assist you,” he shares. This level of care and connection is something that’s often missing in larger, corporate dispensaries. The Savocchi family is all about making every visit personal and special, offering a more community-driven approach to cannabis retail.

More Than Just a StoreAlto isn’t just a place to pick up your favorite strains; it’s a community hub designed for education and connection. The Savocchis are committed to setting a high standard in the neighborhood, focusing on quality, transparency, and customer experience. They want to create a space where everyone feels welcome and informed about their choices in cannabis.

Alto’s mission reflects a larger shift in the cannabis industry, where the focus is increasingly on personal connections and customer care. With so many impersonal big-box stores, Alto stands out by prioritizing the community and ensuring that every visitor leaves with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about cannabis.

Open for BusinessSo, when can you swing by Alto? The dispensary will be open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Alto promises to be a warm and inviting place to explore your options.

A Bright Future AheadAs Alto opens its doors, it’s clear that this dispensary aims to become a beloved fixture in the TriBeCa community. With its rich history, family-centered approach, and commitment to quality, Alto is not just another dispensary—it’s a place where cannabis culture can flourish in a supportive, inclusive environment.

So mark your calendars for October 10! Swing by Alto, enjoy some sweet treats, snag a gift, and immerse yourself in the exciting world of legal cannabis. Whether you're looking to learn, connect, or simply enjoy a little retail therapy, Alto is ready to welcome you with open arms.

FROM TRIBECA CITIZEN: New Kid on the Block: Alto on Chambers

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 15:33:00 GMT

Alto was featured in Tribeca Citizen . View the article below.

The neighborhood’s first legal cannabis dispensary has opened on Chambers: Alto (I was slow on the uptake but of course it means “high’ in Italian) is among the 190+ dispensaries now open in the state and about the 35th in Manhattan. They opened on August 31 and will host an official grand opening on Oct. 10.
The state gave priority to both people with convictions from past marijuana crimes and women and minorities with business experience, and the family behind Alto checked both those boxes. The Savo Group that holds the license includes Guido and Sandra Savocchi, who raised their five kids in Queens, and those now-grown children: Stephanie, Nicole, Daniela, Sarah and finally Andre, the baby at age 30.

Guido was convicted of possession in the late ’90s, and the event threw the family into a tailspin. He lost the deli he owned in Queens and then wasn’t able to find work. “You don’t have too many options after that,” Andre noted. So the family toggled and Sandra went to work and Guide stayed home as the full-time dad.
Fast forward to 2014, when Andre is on probation for selling (the charges in that case were eventually dismissed). He and his mother head out to San Diego when the city announces they are going recreational, but since the pair has no ties in California, it becomes too tough to pull it off. So then when Sandra heard on 1010 WINS that women-owned businesses and people with marijuana convictions would have priority for licenses, she organized the family to apply.

“We literally won the lottery,” Stephanie said.
Andre is full time at Alto, but everyone else in the family is keeping their day jobs — for now. Sandra is an office manager for a construction company in Queens; Stephanie works in business development for a national hair care company; Nicole works in veterinary medicine on Long Island; the other sisters are also in sales (I met three out of five in the store the other day).

“We are very close and we really enjoy working together,” Stephanie said. “We always wanted to start a family business. And we all know customer service.”

I am not a cannabis consumer, so I will leave it to comments to tell me how the product looks (and feels). But the plan is to make it an upscale shopping experience with high-quality “flower,” the vernacular these days (not bud or pot or weed). Hence the speakeasy flower shop false front. There’s a guard at the door and absolutely no marketing in the windows — just a small description on the overheard sign and a QR code on the door that takes you to the state’s cannabis dispensary verification page.

They sell pens, gummies, drinks, tinctures, edible sugars that you can cook with — they sold out of pre-rolled joints in the first five days of opening. And it’s not easy to get supplies. The state requires that dispensaries source from in-state manufacturers, and Andre says those producers are having trouble keeping up with demand.

“We are fully stocked now and we get new stuff every day, but the variety is not really there and there is also short supply,” he said. New York has partnered with some big California manufacturers to train folks here, so they can carry some of those brands. Selling out on the joints was a surprise, but it’s helped them understand demand in the area.

Since cannabis is still not legal on a federal level, national banks will not allow credit card sales at dispensaries. So the business takes cash (there’s an ATM inside) and debit cards, where the sale rounds up to the closest $5 and there’s an additional 3.5 percent service fee. No surprise: So far sales have been split 60/40 in favor of cashless.

Andre scouted locations around the city — he lives in Hell’s Kitchen — and looked at dozens, but wanted to be Downtown. The Patriot, they said, was a mess — “it’s like they were coming back the next day and just never did,” Nicole said — but it’s cleaned up ok (the upstairs is just for employees).

As a start-up, it saves on staffing costs to have all the sibs helping out — it truly is family owned and operated. (Everyone in there except the security guard is family, so when you stop by, likely you are talking to a sib.) The hope is the business could eventually support the six families.

“We are not going to be the next Rockefellers but we can probably do well,” Andre said. “We’re definitely going to try.”

Alto on Chambers110 Chambers | Church & West Broadwayinfo@altocanna.nycMonday to Thursday 9a to 9p Friday and Saturday, 9a to 11p, Sunday, 9 to 5