Dispensary Comparison
Studio 57 vs FlynnStoned
Local curation vs volume retail. Two different approaches to cannabis on Staten Island.
Overview
Local vs Corporate. Curation vs Volume.
Studio 57 and FlynnStoned represent opposite ends of the dispensary spectrum. Studio 57 is a community-rooted shop that curates a focused selection of vetted products. FlynnStoned takes a volume-first approach, prioritizing inventory size and brand variety.
Neither approach is inherently wrong. But the experience of walking into each dispensary is fundamentally different, and the type of customer each serves best is different too. This comparison helps you figure out which approach fits your needs.
Transparency note: This comparison is published by Studio 57. We have tried to be fair and factual, but we encourage you to visit both dispensaries and judge for yourself.
Philosophy
Studio 57
EdgeLocal-first, curation-driven. Every product is personally vetted. The goal is to carry the right products, not the most products. Community requests shape the inventory.
FlynnStoned
Volume-driven retail. Emphasis on carrying as many SKUs as possible to give customers maximum choice. Inventory decisions driven by supplier availability and margins.
Location
Studio 57
Edge570 Midland Ave, Midland Beach — East Shore exclusive. Chosen specifically to serve an underserved part of the island. Street parking available.
FlynnStoned
Central Staten Island location. Accessible from the expressway but less tied to any specific neighborhood community.
Product Curation
Studio 57
EdgeSmall, focused selection. Relationships with specific New York growers. Products removed if quality drops. Staff can speak to every item on the shelf because they have personally evaluated it.
FlynnStoned
Large inventory spanning many brands and product types. Breadth of selection means individual products receive less individual scrutiny. Good for browsing, less ideal for guided recommendations.
Staff Experience
Studio 57
EdgeStaff trained in cannabis education beyond product names. Conversations about terpene profiles, consumption methods, dosing strategies, and individual goals. No scripts.
FlynnStoned
Standard retail staff with product familiarity. Able to assist with purchases and answer basic questions. Less emphasis on deep consultation or personalized guidance.
Community Connection
Studio 57
EdgeRooted in Midland Beach. Product selection evolves based on neighborhood feedback. Active participant in the local community. Not a corporate outpost — a neighborhood shop.
FlynnStoned
Operates as a retail business first. Less emphasis on neighborhood identity or community-driven product decisions. Functional rather than relational approach to customer service.
Inventory Size
Studio 57
Deliberately smaller. This is intentional — it means less browsing, but every product has earned its shelf space. Some customers may wish for more variety.
FlynnStoned
EdgeLarge catalog with many brands and options. Better for customers who want extensive browsing and the ability to compare many products in one visit.
Our Take
The Bottom Line
If you want a dispensary that feels like a neighborhood shop — where the staff knows cannabis deeply, the products are curated with intention, and your feedback actually shapes what is on the shelves — Studio 57 is the better fit. This is especially true for East Shore residents who now have a dispensary in their own backyard.
If your priority is browsing the widest possible selection and you prefer to make your own choices from a large catalog, FlynnStoned’s volume-first model may work for you. Both dispensaries are licensed and legitimate. The difference is in philosophy.
Visit Studio 57
570 Midland Ave, Midland Beach, Staten Island. Open 7 days a week. Walk-ins always welcome.
Studio 57 Cannabis Dispensary is licensed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). All products are tested in accordance with NYS regulations. Cannabis is for adult use only. You must be 21 years or older to enter the dispensary or purchase products. Keep cannabis products out of reach of children and pets. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before using cannabis products. This comparison reflects editorial opinion and is not endorsed by the OCM, FlynnStoned, or any regulatory body.