A well-known hospitality company is entering the pot business.

The Donnelly Group has filed application with the City of Vancouver to operate a weed store on Robson Street.

It plans to open a chain of pot shops in B.C. and Ontario under the name Hobo Recreational Cannabis Store.

The first Hobo store opened in Ottawa on April 1 this year.

The Donnelly Group owns pubs and barbershops in Vancouver and Toronto.

The company was founded in Vancouver in 1999 by Jeff Donnelly.

In an “operational letter” to Vancouver city hall, Donnelly stated that Lightbox Enterprises Ltd. will operate the Hobo store at 1173 Robson Street.

“We plan to provide access to recreational cannabis in a safe and knowledgeable environment,” Donnelly wrote. “Our company has a 20 year history working as a partner with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) under our parent company the Donnelly Group.”

The Hobo website indicates plans for two other Vancouver shops on Granville and Main streets.

“Our aim is to make the cannabis buying experience disarming, compassionate and human,” according to the site. “We’re calling bullshit on the stigma. Mother Earth put this good plant here with purpose—let us introduce you to a few of them.”

City hall will receive comments from the public about the proposed Robson Street weed outlet until Thursday (April 4).