Meet Isaac: Your Local Budtender with a Passion for Cannabis, History, and BBQ

Isaac is our newest team member and not your typical budtender. As a lifelong local, he brings a unique blend of cannabis industry experience, a deep enthusiasm for local history, and a love for pulled pork BBQ to his role. He's passionate about community, the culture of cannabis, and to the rich traditions that shape his hometown. His deep roots in the community, cannabis knowledge, and love for BBQ create a unique and welcoming experience.

Read on to learn more about Isaac.

Isaac works in all three of The Rec Dispensary's locations in Denver, Hickory and Statesville, NC.

Favorite part of being part of the Rec’d team:

Having the ability to serve the communities of North Carolina with the best cannabis products.

How long in North Carolina?

I am a North Carolinian, born and raised.

What’s a “hidden gem” you think most people miss?

The deep history that North Carolina holds. If you look past the hustle of daily life every little town and community has its own special stories and reasons to be interested in your town's history. 

In the town of Hickory, NC in 1944 Catawba Valley region faced one of the worst polio outbreaks in US history the town of hickory was able to construct a functional facility to control and treat the disease, in only 54 hours!

For Denver, in October of 1959, Duke Energy, the company that owns and operates the Marshall Steam Plant 10 min east of our Denver location, facilitated the evacuation of the communities of East Monbo and Long Island Mill Village to submerge them in what is now known as Lake Norman. Even my home was dragged from the flood zones, and Little Mountain Road was constructed in front of my home because it symbolized the height of the flood plains. 

Statesville's history is around every corner! In 1885, a great fire ripped through the heart of Statesville. the community did the only thing they could rebuild local lawmakers put in place laws requiring all new downtown buildings to be built of brick and stone. This leaves us with the long-standing, beautiful architecture in downtown Statesville. 

What is your favorite 'spot' in town to relax or spend a day off?

My favorite place in town to enjoy a day off is any of the multiple state and county parks in the area. My favorite by far has been Mountain Creek Park, which has a playground big enough for everyone to have fun and walking trails that showcase the natural beauty of Sherrills Ford.

What’s surprised you the most about living in North Carolina? 

The diversity of communities and the ability of most to recover from any situation. And the crazy weather!

What I wish more people knew about North Carolina? 

This is the only place in the world to get a proper pulled pork sandwich. No shade, they just don't compare. My favorites include:

Statesville is Randy's Bar-B-Que. The menu is vast enough to quell any hunger, whether it's with their amazing wood smoked pulled pork or their wide variety of sides.

In Denver, hands down would have to be Boss Hogs Bar-B-Que my go-to for a home style BBQ joint, complete with the smells that hit you as you step out of your vehicle because of the smokers right outside the back door. Portions never disappoint at Boss Hogs!

Jim 'n Nick's Bar-B-Que located in Hickory, NC is my go to when I'm in town for Bar-B-Que they specialize in everything BBQ! My personal favorite is the brisket with a big bowl of mac & cheese, plus, amazing cheesy biscuits.  

Where is the best place to watch a sunset/sunrise, or take a great photo?

Anywhere on one of the many lakes in North Carolina! I don't think there's nothing more breathtaking than waking up in the Appalachian Mountains, and watching the sunrise across the region. For a beautiful view, I would go to any of the public campsites that line the shores of Lake Norman. They offer breathtaking views over the wide distances the lake stretch across reflecting the amazing colors of any sunset it sees. Take a kayak ride and visit one of the many waterside bars and restaurants like the landing or the sandbar. 

If you had 36 hours to show someone the best of this town, what would you do?

I would probably start the excursion by going to The Hickory Museum of Art to take in the variety of works they show. The next stop on this trip would have to be the Aviation Museum, with its wide collection of military aircraft. After that, I would most likely end with a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to watch whatever exciting race was happening that night.

The next day would most likely start with a trip to the local dispensary to get the best bud in town (probably a house pre-roll) to start the day after the mind is right. we would go to one of many local trails to take in the natural beauty NC has to offer. We’d wrap up the night we would go down to the recently re-opened roadhouse now known as Burbon & Bobers to enjoy the good eats and friendly vibes the community has to offer.