In a shaky economy where many businesses struggle to stay afloat, some sectors seem immune. Liquor stores and nail salons are often considered recession-proof, thriving even when belts are tightened, offering affordable indulgence or fulfilling ongoing needs. Similarly, vape shops and smoke stores, often tied to legal or semi-legal hobbies, also tend to endure.

These businesses offer more than just products; they serve as community hubs, fostering loyal customer bases built on shared interests. One such business was Yabba Dabbas — a retail chain that brought together glass smokeware, CBD products, mixed martial arts (MMA) sponsorships, and disc golf equipment under one roof.

Yabba Dabbas: A Unique Business Model

Yabba Dabbas wasn’t your average smoke shop. Its name, a playful spin on owner Heather Dabbas’ surname and Fred Flintstone’s catchphrase “yabba dabba doo,” represented a brand full of personality and community focus.

The chain made a name for itself with its high-end hand-crafted glass smokeware and a wide range of CBD products. One of its promotional YouTube videos showcased its offerings with a dramatic bong inhalation sound in the background, stating:
 "Yabba Dabbas has what you need to knockout pain and inflammation."

The ad emphasized the shop's distinct flavor selection and craftsmanship, featuring eye-catching designs and emphasizing legality in all 50 states.

But what truly set Yabba Dabbas apart was its sponsorship of local MMA fights and its collection of disc golf products — combining lifestyle retail with niche sport cultures in a way few stores ever attempted.

A Tough Goodbye

Despite a decade of success and a loyal customer base, Heather Dabbas made the difficult decision to close all four Yabba Dabbas locations. She shared the news in an emotional Facebook post, highlighting the mounting challenges of running a small business in today’s environment.

"Being a small business owner is such a wild ride. Never easy… The economy has changed. The way people live and shop has changed," she wrote.

Her reasons weren’t isolated to one problem but rather a culmination of many — rising competition, online retail pressure, tariffs, new taxes, and permits. Even gas stations started selling similar products, adding to the saturation.

"Every day is a fight, and I don’t want to fight anymore," Dabbas admitted.

Not a Loss, But a New Chapter

While the announcement saddened many, Dabbas remained optimistic. She didn’t view the closure as a failure but as a natural conclusion to a passionate journey.

"I’ve had a lot of loss this year, but I don’t consider this to be one of them. I am at peace with my decision," she stated.

Former employees and loyal customers expressed deep appreciation, calling the store one of the best workplaces and describing it as a welcoming, family-like space.

One customer summed it up perfectly:
 "I have loved and enjoyed going to your stores... all the employees made me and my wife feel like family."