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About Us

We Are Area 51 Smokeshop

Founded in 2014 in Chesterfield, VA, Area 51 Smoke Shop has grown into a trusted leader in the smoke shop industry. With over a decade of experience, we have built a reputation for excellence.

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer an unparalleled one-stop shop experience for all your smoking and vaping needs. We provide an extensive selection of top-tier brands, including e-cigarettes, vaporizers, glassware, and novelties, all complemented by exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and deliver a friendly, memorable shopping experience every time.

Since our inception, we have expanded to three main locations: two in Chesterfield, VA, and one in Powhatan, VA. Each store embodies our commitment to offering a broad range of products, from the ordinary to the uniquely extraordinary.

Our Founder

Michael Liberatore

Michael Liberatore is the visionary founder and president of Area 51 Smoke Shop, established in 2014 in Chesterfield, Richmond. Under his leadership, Area 51 has become a trusted leader in Virginia’s smoke shop industry, celebrated for its extensive product line featuring over 60 SKUs, including everything from premium smoking accessories to unique specialty items. Michael’s commitment to quality and customer service has driven the company to make remarkable growth including the expansion to three main locations, the most recent being in Powhatan, VA. His passion for the industry and dedication to community engagement have earned Area 51 recognition in local media, creating a thriving environment for employees and customers alike.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Michael is keenly aware of the evolving landscape of the smoke shop industry. His strategic vision includes plans for adapting to changes like the legalization of recreational marijuana in Virginia, with aspirations to convert one of their locations into a dispensary. Furthermore, he is proud to introduce a franchising initiative, Area 51 Express, aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to join the Area 51 family. Through these efforts, Michael ensures that Area 51 continues to lead the market while fostering growth and innovation, solidifying its reputation for excellence in the community.

Our Achievements

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us significant recognition. In 2018, we were honored as Richmond’s “#1 Best Smoke Shop” by Style Weekly. This accolade was followed by the “2021 Best Head Shop of Richmond” award, underscoring our continued dedication to providing outstanding products and services.

Area 51 Express

For those interested in joining our success story, we offer a franchise model called Area 51 Express. This opportunity allows individuals to operate their own smoke shop under our well-established name and logo. By leveraging our trademarked brand, franchisees can benefit from our proven business model and extensive industry experience.

Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we provide the best products and services possible. With over 15,000 products available, a visit to Area 51 Smoke Shop promises a remarkable and unforgettable experience. Discover why we’re the best in the business and explore what makes us unique.

Our Brand

In addition to our diverse product range, we proudly feature the A51 brand, which includes our unique product line called Cannacouperments. These cannabis-related products are available through popular online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. This exclusive line reflects our commitment to offering both quality and innovation in the products we provide.

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer an unparalleled one-stop shop experience for all your smoking and vaping needs. We provide an extensive selection of top-tier brands, including e-cigarettes, vaporizers, glassware, and novelties, all complemented by exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and deliver a friendly, memorable shopping experience every time.

Since our inception, we have expanded to three main locations: two in Chesterfield, VA, and one in Powhatan, VA. Each store embodies our commitment to offering a broad range of products, from the ordinary to the uniquely extraordinary.

Our Founder

Michael Liberatore

Michael Liberatore is the visionary founder and president of Area 51 Smoke Shop, established in 2014 in Chesterfield, Richmond. Under his leadership, Area 51 has become a trusted leader in Virginia’s smoke shop industry, celebrated for its extensive product line featuring over 60 SKUs, including everything from premium smoking accessories to unique specialty items. Michael’s commitment to quality and customer service has driven the company to make remarkable growth including the expansion to three main locations, the most recent being in Powhatan, VA. His passion for the industry and dedication to community engagement have earned Area 51 recognition in local media, creating a thriving environment for employees and customers alike.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Michael is keenly aware of the evolving landscape of the smoke shop industry. His strategic vision includes plans for adapting to changes like the legalization of recreational marijuana in Virginia, with aspirations to convert one of their locations into a dispensary. Furthermore, he is proud to introduce a franchising initiative, Area 51 Express, aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to join the Area 51 family. Through these efforts, Michael ensures that Area 51 continues to lead the market while fostering growth and innovation, solidifying its reputation for excellence in the community.

Our Achievements

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us significant recognition. In 2018, we were honored as Richmond’s “#1 Best Smoke Shop” by Style Weekly. This accolade was followed by the “2021 Best Head Shop of Richmond” award, underscoring our continued dedication to providing outstanding products and services.

Area 51 Express

For those interested in joining our success story, we offer a franchise model called Area 51 Express. This opportunity allows individuals to operate their own smoke shop under our well-established name and logo. By leveraging our trademarked brand, franchisees can benefit from our proven business model and extensive industry experience.

Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we provide the best products and services possible. With over 15,000 products available, a visit to Area 51 Smoke Shop promises a remarkable and unforgettable experience. Discover why we’re the best in the business and explore what makes us unique.

Our Product Line

In addition to our diverse product range, we proudly feature the A51 brand, which includes our unique product line called Cannacouperments. These cannabis-related products are available through popular online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. This exclusive line reflects our commitment to offering both quality and innovation in the products we provide.

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