Miami-based cannabis producers retailer GŪD Essence earned the green light Feb. 20 to convert Downtown’s closed Burger King into a dispensary at project cost of $408,000.
The city issued a permit for S.R. Construction Services LLC of Palm City to renovate 3,837 square feet of interior space at 210 E. State St. at project cost of $408,000.
The permit follows one issued Sept. 5 for interior demolition at $29,000 and one for site work Feb. 20 at $35,000.
Codes-ABC Inc. of Orange Park is the private plan reviewer. RAW Architecture + Design of Fort Lauderdale is the architect.
“The Downtown Jacksonville site gives us the opportunity to revitalize an existing building and bring new life to the urban core. We see downtown as a growing, dynamic community, and we want our first Northeast Florida dispensary to reflect that energy and accessibility,” said GŪD Essence CEO Jasmine Johnson by email Sept. 24.
She said GŪD Essence is a cannabis and wellness brand “dedicated to cultivating premium products and meaningful community experiences.”
The Burger King restaurant, built on almost 1.6 acres in 1985, closed in October 2023 after more than 38 years.
State Outparcel LLC of Orlando, led by Alakai Capital, bought the Downtown block June 2 for $1.5 million from Miami-based Burger King Company LLC.
The site is bounded by State, Market, Union and Newnan streets.
Alakai Capital Principal Nick Jones said Sept. 26 that GŪD Essence likes being Downtown close to residents, such as those expected in the Gateway Jax apartments planned and under construction.
Johnson said in September the near-term plan is to open four flagship dispensaries in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando. Tampa remains part of the plans but will open later.
That has expanded by at least one city The GUDessence.com site shows a location is open in Clearwater, with sites coming soon in Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Titusville.
The goal is to reach at least 20 dispensaries statewide over the next two years, with all openings subject to regulatory approvals and permitting, Johnson said in September
She said Jacksonville will serve as GŪD Essence’s Northeast Florida flagship.