Macomb County’s first cannabis consumption lounge will open Friday, Aug. 8 alongside a new dispensary.

Bowdega, a “culturally inspired” cannabis retail shop, and Burn1, its adjacent consumption site, will celebrate their official grand opening at 45411 Park Avenue, just north of Hall Road (M-59) near Dave & Buster’s in Utica.

Bowdega owner Marvin Kiezi said the opening marks the end of the construction and stocking phase of his $5 million business, which he began working on in December 2024.

“It’s a new market, so I’m excited about that,” Kiezi said. “Let’s face it, this is an evolving business and market, so we had to bring something fresh to the table. I think we’ve accomplished that.”

For Friday’s grand opening, customers will have a variety of special activities including food trucks, live DJs, giveaways and more.

The grand opening introduces one of the region’s first cannabis destinations to combine high-quality retail with a legal onsite consumption space, according to a news release. There only a limited number of licensed cannabis lounges operating in Michigan, organizers said.

Located in the former Red Ox Tavern off M-53, Burn1 is a 3,000-square-foot consumption lounge where guests can enjoy what they purchase in a safe setting. With five hotels nearby, Burn1 is also a practical option for visitors who cannot smoke in their hotel rooms and for locals looking for a social place to consume.

The lounge will contain curated music, cozy seating and an open-air patio to live art and community events. Future plans call for adding live bands, puff-n-paint artwork and a dab bar.

“You’ve got to be different in this business,” Kiezi  said. “We are going to do things that are attractive for this side of town. There are a lot of attractions here in Utica and we want to add one more.”

Burn1 has also been approved for a Farmer’s Fridge to be installed mid-month. The vending-style machines often found in airports, hospitals and large workspaces offer guests healthy, fresh food, from sandwiches to salads to parfaits.

Kiezi also plans to erect jumbo 9-foot-tall letters spelling out Utica on his property near M-53. The illuminated gateway sign will be similar to ones placed on the freeway during the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit.

The 5,500-square-foot retail store features top-tier Michigan- grown brands such as Big League Brands, Peninsula Gardens, LocalGrove, and more.

Bowdega will offer a variety of flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, CBD products, topicals, accessories, and branded apparel.

Visitors must be 21 or older with a valid ID to enter either location.

Store hours are 8 a.m.-midnight daily. For more information, call 586-788-7778 or visit burn1.com or bowdega.com

Another consumption lounge, the Joint Cannabis Lounge, is expected to open this year in Mount Clemens.

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