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.