Verano Launches Dispensary in Restored Ohio Train Depot

CHICAGO – Verano Holdings Corp. marked another step in its Ohio operations with the announcement of a grand opening for its Zen Leaf dispensary in Antwerp, a small village in northwest Ohio. The site, set to welcome customers Friday, occupies a meticulously restored 19th-century train depot that dates to 1880 and holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

The new location stands as Verano’s sixth dispensary in the state, joining existing outlets in Bowling Green, Canton, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Newark. Antwerp’s proximity to the Indiana border [less than five miles away] and its position roughly 30 minutes from Fort Wayne, a metro area home to over 423,000 residents, positions the store to capture cross-border traffic in a region where Cannabis remains restricted next door.

Restoration work preserved the depot’s original Norfolk & Western Railway architecture, blending industrial heritage with modern retail. Customers will find Verano’s full lineup, from flower and pre-rolls to vaporizers and edibles. The setup aims to deliver what the company describes as a standout shopping environment, distinct from standard outlets.

“We’re excited to celebrate the grand opening of Zen Leaf Antwerp, where we’ll offer Cannabis shoppers a one-of-a-kind experience in one of the most unique and historic Cannabis dispensaries in the nation,” said George Archos, Verano’s founder and CEO, in a statement. He added that the project honors the building’s legacy while generating local jobs and economic activity.

Ohio’s Cannabis sector has posted strong numbers since adult-use sales began last August, with total revenue reaching $3.04 billion through mid-September. Early recreational figures topped $11 million in the first five days alone, signaling robust demand in a state projected to hit billion-dollar status annually. Verano, a vertically integrated operator with cultivation and processing in Canton, holds a solid foothold here amid competition from players like Trulieve and Cresco Labs. This Antwerp addition bolsters its 22,000 square feet of Ohio production capacity, supporting a network of 158 dispensaries across 13 states.

The choice of a historic depot reflects a calculated play: in a crowded field, experiential elements like preserved architecture can draw visitors beyond routine purchases, potentially lifting per-store averages. Yet Antwerp’s population of about 1,500 underscores the reliance on regional pull; Fort Wayne’s market, for instance, could account for much of the volume if Indiana’s timeline for reform drags.

For Verano, the Antwerp launch reinforces a pattern of measured growth in high-potential markets, leveraging owned real estate to cut costs and build brand loyalty. As Ohio’s sales trajectory holds firm, fueled by a population of 11.8 million and untapped tourism, such investments could steady the company’s path through 2026, even as national consolidation reshapes operator rosters. Highly Capitalized Network-HCN will track how this outpost performs against benchmarks, offering insights into the blend of heritage and commerce.