Founder Story at a Glance
Blake Napierala, Founder and Owner of The Phinest Buds, is sharing the story behind launching a New York State-licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary at 576 Dick Road in Depew, near the Cheektowaga border. About one mile from Buffalo Niagara International Airport, The Phinest Buds serves adults across Western New York with an approach centered on education, comfort, and responsible access.
- Founder and owner: Blake Napierala
- Professional background: Registered Nurse
- Opened: January 28, 2025
- Location: 576 Dick Rd, Depew, near the Cheektowaga border and Buffalo Niagara International Airport
- Focus: Licensed, education-first adult-use cannabis retail for adults 21+
A founder story rooted in trust and accountability
Before opening The Phinest Buds, Blake Napierala worked in healthcare as a Registered Nurse. That experience shaped how he thinks about responsibility, clear communication, and the importance of trust when serving people.
After a back injury in 2019, he began reevaluating his long-term direction. Napierala’s interest in cannabis and belief in legalization and regulated access led him to pursue a new path, one focused on building a compliant retail business designed to serve the community with consistency and respect.
Born and raised in Amherst, New York, Napierala has deep ties to the greater Buffalo area. The Phinest Buds opened on January 28, 2025, extending that local connection through a regulated adult-use retail business.
Why The Phinest Buds exists
Napierala founded The Phinest Buds to help replace outdated stigma with clear, legal, and regulated access. From day one, the goal has been simple: create a space where adults feel comfortable asking questions, understanding what they are purchasing, and moving through the shopping experience without pressure.
The Phinest Buds’ mission is to provide a compliant, education-first adult-use cannabis retail experience that prioritizes customer comfort, clear guidance, and responsible access for adults 21+, while sourcing quality brands and delivering strong everyday value.
The dispensary is located at 576 Dick Road in Depew, near the Cheektowaga border and approximately one mile from Buffalo Niagara International Airport. That location helps the business serve local residents and visitors traveling through the region, including customers from Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Depew, Williamsville, Clarence, Lancaster, Tonawanda, and surrounding Western New York communities.
What guests can expect when they visit
The customer experience is built around three priorities:
Education-first guidance: Team members help customers understand common product formats, how to read labels, and how to compare options based on preferences and experience level.
A welcoming retail environment: The goal is a calm, comfortable atmosphere where questions are encouraged and customers feel respected.
Compliance-forward standards: The store’s processes are designed to support responsible adult-use retail within New York State regulations.
The Founder’s Perspective
“As a Registered Nurse, I’ve always believed that trust, education, and responsibility are essential when serving people. I’ve also had a long-standing passion for cannabis and believe in breaking the stigma through legal, regulated access. At The Phinest Buds, our focus is on sourcing quality products, educating customers, and creating a space where people feel comfortable and respected. Customers come first, and we’re proud to serve our community with that mindset every day.”
Find The Phinest Buds
Location is a major advantage for The Phinest Buds, especially for guests flying into or out of Buffalo.
The Phinest Buds
576 Dick Rd, Suite 10A
Depew, NY 14043
Phone: (716) 329-4326
Hours: 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily
The shop is:
Approximately one mile from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Convenient to Depew, Cheektowaga, and the greater Buffalo region
Easy to reach before a weekend getaway, after a flight, or during local errands
