A clear winner rose to the top of the “28th Annual Best of Twin Harbors” ballots after thousands of votes were tabulated for this year’s contest.
Cannabis 21, a retail marijuana business with locations in Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Ocean Shores, received five awards, including the coveted “Best Business in the Twin Harbors” in 2021.
Cannabis 21 also earned “Best Marijuana Business,” “Best Business in Aberdeen,” “Best Business in Hoquiam,” and “Best Customer Service.”
Customers were already checking out the door on Tuesday of the newest Cannabis 21 location in Ocean Shores, which should open this weekend.
The latest addition to the Cannabis 21 business lineup is located at 2294 Washington State Highway 109. It was at the Ocean Shores location where Daily World Publisher Mike Hrycko presented the “Best Business in the Twin Harbors” crystal trophy to Adam Bakotich, who co-owns the business with Angela Scott and Arnie Bossard.
“In six years, we just had our first person leave the company,” said Bakotich, who noted the retail pot business is not having an issue hiring new employees or retaining its current team.
Even the lone exit was an employee who returned to further their education at an out of state college. Bakotich said he’s going out of his way to make sure his employees are paid well and rewarded for their time.
“You’re not going to be rich working here, but our goal is to maintain that you have an abundant lifestyle outside of work,” Bakotich said.
The business has been on a roll since being founded in July 2015 at its prime location at 1000 E. Wishkah St. in Aberdeen. The Aberdeen business is located across the street from the largest shopping center in Grays Harbor County and along the main route used by legions of tourists to get to the beach and Olympic National Park.
A second store, located at 428 10th St. in Hoquiam, opened a little more than a year ago.
“They’re doing good things,” said Hrycko, “not only did they win overall two years in a row, but they’ve added best customer service, best business in Hoquiam [and] Aberdeen, and best marijuana store overall. Five total winners — They’re doing something right.”
The award marked the second straight year Cannabis 21 was named the top business in Twin Harbors by the readers of The Daily World. Ocean Pours Taproom, located at 759 Ocean Shores Blvd. in Ocean Shores, was runner-up. The Roof Doctor, located at 2730 Simpson Ave. in Hoquiam, rounded out the top three in 2021.
