Smoke shop opens on Main Street in Albion

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mohammed “Mo” Ayash is shown today at D-R Smoke Shop, which he opened on July 22 at 139 South Main St.

ALBION – The D-R Smoke Shop has opened on South Main Street, selling tobacco, CBD gummies, cigars, non-nicotine vapes, creatine supplements, lighters and glass bongs.

Mohammed “Mo” Ayash was ready to open the business in early June but the opening was pushed back until July 22. The Village of Albion wanted Ayash to show seven dedicated parking spaces for the business, which is located in a former flower shop with apartments.

The Village Planning Board said Ayash would need a parking variance without the seven spots, but he was able to show seven marked spots for the business during the July 18 meeting. With that in order, the board and code enforcement officer approved the opening, Ayash said.

He has worked in different businesses with his family the past 15 years in Buffalo. He wanted to start his own enterprise and is happy with Albion, which he called “a beautiful town.”

The business is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ayash said he is listening to customers and will build up the inventory in the store.

“We are here for the people,” he said. “We are trying to give them what they want.”