From Best of NY: The Story Behind Alto

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.

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Altocanna x Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event

By Nicole Savocchi • October 29, 2026

Altocanna and Weedmaps are throwing a Customer Appreciation Event on Friday, October 30, from 3 to 6 PM at our shop at 110 Chambers St in Tribeca. It is free to attend, open to adults 21 and older, and it comes with merch giveaways, light bites and a raffle for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor, the Tribeca haunted house. This post covers what the event is, what to expect, how to get here and what to know before you come. If you only need the basics, the quick facts are right below. The Event at a Glance What: Altocanna x Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event When: Friday, October 30, 3 to 6 PM Where: Altocanna on Chambers, 110 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007 (Tribeca) Cost: Free Who: Adults 21 and older What is happening: Merch giveaways, light bites, and a raffle for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor Event listing: Halloween x Weedmaps on Weedmaps What Is the Altocanna and Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event? It is our way of saying thank you. Altocanna is a licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary on Chambers Street, and the people who walk through our doors are the reason the shop is part of Tribeca. This event, hosted with Weedmaps, is a few hours set aside to celebrate them with some Halloween season fun. Weedmaps lists the event on its platform as "Halloween x Weedmaps," a pop up with raffles, prizes and free swag. On our flyer it is called a Customer Appreciation Event. It is the same afternoon, at the same address, so if you see either name, you are looking at the same event. You do not need to be a regular to join. If you have been meaning to visit the shop, a relaxed afternoon with a friendly crowd is an easy first visit. If you already shop with us, come say hello. What to Expect on Friday, October 30 The event runs for three hours, and you can stop by at any point between 3 and 6 PM. Here is what we have planned. Merch Giveaways Weedmaps is bringing free merch for guests. Giveaways are first come, first served while supplies last, so earlier in the afternoon is the safer bet if you want to be sure to take something home. Light Bites We will have light bites on hand so you are not browsing on an empty stomach. Think of it as a small thank you, not a full meal. The Raffle This is the headline. One raffle, two sets of prizes: two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor. More on that below. Friendly Faces Our team will be here all afternoon. If you have questions about what is on our menu, how pickup works or what is new in the shop, this is a relaxed time to ask. The Raffle: Two Puffco Devices and Two Blood Manor Tickets The raffle is for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor. Our team will explain how to enter when you arrive, and the Official Rules apply to the raffle. You must be 21 or older to enter. Puffco is a well known name in the cannabis accessories world, and a device is a prize many of our customers will be glad to win. We have kept the details simple on purpose: the prizes are the devices themselves, and winners will be announced at the event. Blood Manor is a haunted house at 359 Broadway, a short walk from our door. According to its website, it is about 10,000 square feet of themed rooms and passageways, and it calls itself NYC's Scariest Haunted House Attraction. You can check dates, hours and ticket information on the official Blood Manor website . Tickets are provided by Blood Manor and are subject to its availability and rules. If you win Blood Manor tickets, our Tribeca haunted house guide covers what to expect inside, how the timed entry works and how to plan the rest of your night. Why We Are Hosting This Event There is a simple reason for the afternoon. Our customers are why Altocanna is here, and an in person thank you is better than a thank you in an email. Altocanna is a CAURD licensed, majority women owned and social justice owned business, and being part of Tribeca is something we take seriously. Events like this keep us connected to the neighborhood: customers who live nearby, people who work in Lower Manhattan, and visitors who find us while they are out for the day. The event also gives us a chance to work alongside Weedmaps, a platform many people in New York use to find dispensaries, and to team up with a local neighbor, Blood Manor, for the Halloween season. A Quick Word About Weedmaps Weedmaps is an online platform where people find cannabis dispensaries and see what they offer, and it hosts event listings like this one. Altocanna is listed on Weedmaps, and the event page there has the details of the afternoon. If you found us through Weedmaps, welcome. You are in the right place. You can see the event on the Weedmaps listing for Halloween x Weedmaps , and learn more about the platform at weedmaps.com . How to Get to Altocanna on Chambers We are at 110 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007, between West Broadway and Church St, in the heart of Tribeca. By subway: The 1, 2 and 3 trains and the A and C trains stop at Chambers St, a short walk away. The R and W trains stop at City Hall, also close by. On foot or by bike: If you are coming from the west side of Tribeca, the Hudson River Greenway is an easy way in. From the Financial District: Walking up Church St brings you straight to our block. Many guests come from the neighborhoods around us, including the Financial District, SoHo, Battery Park City, Chinatown, the West Village and the Lower East Side. If you work in Lower Manhattan, 3 to 6 PM on a Friday is a good time to stop by on the way home. What to Bring and What to Know A few simple notes will make your visit smoother. Bring valid government issued ID. You must be 21 or older, and a valid ID is required to shop with us. Know the basics of New York law. Adults 21 and older may possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. If you have questions about the rules, our team is glad to explain what we can. Come with a friend. A group is welcome as long as everyone is 21 or older, and sharing the afternoon makes the raffle more fun. Plan your timing. The event runs from 3 to 6 PM. Giveaways are while supplies last. Ask questions. Our team is happy to help, whether you are a first timer or know exactly what you like. If you are new to dispensaries, our staff can walk you through how everything works. There is no pressure and no wrong question. Make an Afternoon of It in Tribeca Friday, October 30 falls right at the start of Halloween weekend, and Tribeca is a good place to be. Walk around the neighborhood, take in the decorations and look for a coffee or an early dinner nearby before or after the event. If you are curious about the haunted house next door, our Blood Manor and Halloween in Tribeca guide will help you plan the evening. Frequently Asked Questions When is the Altocanna and Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event? It takes place on Friday, October 30, from 3 to 6 PM. Where is the event? At Altocanna on Chambers, 110 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007, in Tribeca. Is the event free? Yes. Admission to the event is free. Who can attend? Adults 21 and older. Please bring a valid government issued ID. What will be at the event? Merch giveaways, light bites and a raffle for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor. Giveaways are while supplies last. Where can I see the event listing? On Weedmaps, under "Halloween x Weedmaps" for Altocanna. The listing is linked above. How do I get to Altocanna? Take the 1, 2 or 3 train or the A or C train to Chambers St, or the R or W train to City Hall. We are between West Broadway and Church St. See You on October 30 Thank you to everyone who has shopped with us, shared us with a friend or stopped in to say hello. We are looking forward to seeing you on Friday, October 30, from 3 to 6 PM at 110 Chambers St. Come hungry for light bites, curious about the raffle and ready for a good time. Questions before you come? Call us at (212) 933 4737. 21+ only. Valid government issued ID required. Giveaways while supplies last. Raffle subject to Official Rules. Altocanna, Weedmaps and Blood Manor are independent businesses.

What Is Drink Pink? Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Nicole Savocchi • October 29, 2026

Learn what Ayrloom's Drink Pink campaign is, who it supports and ways to take part for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Altocanna in Tribeca.

Close-up of a grotesque monster face with red eyes in dark blue-purple lighting

Win Free Blood Manor Tickets with Altocanna this Halloween!

October 28, 2026

Altocanna and Blood Manor team up for Halloween in Tribeca. Learn about NYC's haunted house, plan your night, and enter to win a pair of tickets. 21+.

Medal Monday: NYC Marathon Recovery Lounge | Altocanna

By Nicole Savocchi • October 26, 2026

Ran or cheered the NYC Marathon? Join Altocanna and 1906 on Nov 2 in Tribeca for Medal Monday. Free, 21+, RSVP required. Medal perk for runners.

Recycle Your Empty Cannabis Vapes at Altocanna With Fernway

By Andre Savocchi • October 23, 2026

Recycle your empty cannabis vapes at Altocanna in Tribeca. Learn how the Fernway recycling program works and how to take part on your next visit.

Eighth, Quarter, Half Ounce, Ounce: A Flower Size Guide

By Nicole Savocchi • October 16, 2026

Confused by cannabis measurements? Here's a clear breakdown of eighths, quarters, half ounces, and ounces, and how to choose the right size.

How Much Weed Can You Legally Buy in New York?

By Nicole Savocchi • October 9, 2026

New York limits how much cannabis you can purchase per transaction. Here's what the law actually allows, explained clearly, with no guesswork.

Flower shop display with colorful bouquets and a neon “Open” sign above the counter

From High Ways Travel: Our 11 Absolute Favorite Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries in Manhattan, NY from Tribeca to Inwood

By Nicole Savocchi • August 11, 2026

Altocanna was featured in the "11 favorite dispensaries" article on High Ways Travel.

NYC Broadway in the Boros event poster with Al Tocanna branding, June 2–14, over a nighttime city skyline

Altocanna Named an Official Neighborhood Partner of the Tribeca Festival

June 17, 2026

This year, Altocanna was featured as one of the festival’s Official Neighborhood Partners near key festival venues, including Spring Studios and the OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC.

Newspaper front page with headline “La Ciociaria insegna a guadagnarti tutto, la rivincita negli Usa” and photo of two women

Altocanna makes International -- News From Ciociaria to New York: A Story of Resilience, Roots, and Reinvention

By Nicole Savocchi • April 29, 2026

The journey from a small Italian town to the fast-paced streets of New York City is not an easy one—but for Guido Savocchi, it became the foundation for building both a life and a business rooted in perseverance, family, and purpose.