A plethora of locally blown glass pipes and other smoking accessories will be available in downtown Phoenix in early September.
Bud’s Glass Joint will hold its grand opening on Sept. 7 in its freshly painted gallery near Roosevelt and First streets. An orange room will hold “any kind of smoking accessory you can think of,” partner Greg Centrone said.
Live glass-blowing demonstrations and events with live music in Bud’s backyard will also be available, he added. The Phoenix native has held glass-blowing demos and events before in north Phoenix and managed the Paraphernalia Boutique for 10 years. A few friends are lined up to blow glass for the events.
“There are so many glass blowers in Arizona that we’re just going to keep it all local,” he said. “That way it gives them an outlet to show off their wares, they can show off their skills on First Fridays.”
Andrew Meister, partner of Bud’s, said he imagines the backyard with a patio where college students go after class to relax and smoke hookah. He was not specific on the design, but said he wants to create a garden to go along with the atmosphere.
Centrone said many plans are up in the air at present, but the partners plan on building a stage for bands to play on as well. Meister wants Bud’s to be a venue for anyone who wants to show off his or her talent.
“Hopefully, we provide a service that people need a cool place for them to hang out and shop and be a part of the community,” he said.
Locally made incense and smoke wares will be sold at Bud’s, Centrone said. Detox kits, cigarettes and apparel promoting Phoenix’s music scene will also be sold at the venue, Meister said. Bud’s will also have local glass blowers like No Stretch Glass create custom blown pipes and other smoking accessories.
Meister and Centrone coincidentally had the same idea to open a shop downtown. They found an open spot and started to put their plans in action to open Roosevelt Row’s first smoke shop.
The decorative glass gallery and smoke shop is unique because there is nothing like Bud’s anywhere downtown, Meister added.
“I think what makes a healthy community is diversity,” said Kenny Barrett, programs manager for Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation.
Downtown Phoenix is developing, and the shop wants to be a part of its growth and culture, Meister said.
The partners said they are not worried about any issues with police or troubles with community members.
“We work for the people,” said Phoenix Police Department spokesman Sgt. Trent Crump. “The people want a head shop, all we can do is watch the activity or monitor the activity to see if it creates a nuisance for a neighborhood.”
Centrone said he has never had any hassle from anyone and doesn’t expect there to be trouble.
“We’re not going to be a sleazy place by any means,” Meister added. “We’re trying to put a lot of nice stuff in here.”
Contact the reporter at cmalecka@asu.edu
