Tubular Tokes on central avenue is now under a new ownership and will be renamed Hits & munchies | tubular tokes Facebook

New faces will soon greet customers at the space formerly known as Tubular Tokes in the Grand Central District.

Earlier this week, the 1980s-themed vape and smoke shop at 2428 Central Avenue officially changed ownership and will rebrand as Hits & Munchies.

While Tubular Tokes was known for its eclectic interior and wide selection of vapes, CBD, kratom, and novelty snacks, much of the attention surrounding the shop centered on its owner, Skylar Strickland.

Strickland, who remains a polarizing figure in the neighborhood, has had a rough and very public past, including two arrests and frequent confrontations that played out both inside and outside the business.

Over time, some nearby residents and would-be customers said they liked the concept and wanted to support a locally owned shop, but ultimately chose not to patronize Tubular Tokes because of the owner himself.

The store carries sweet, salty, and spicy snacks and beverages from beer to CBD dinks | tubular tokes facebook image

Now, new owners Shilpa Mawani and her sister, Sheetal Shahabuddin, are hoping to turn the page.

“This is new ownership and new management, but a lot of what people love about the space is staying the same,” Mawani said. “We’re changing the name to Hits & Munchies and restocking, but the vibe and layout aren’t really changing.”

The sisters, who already operate smoke shops in the Tampa area, said they were drawn to both the location and the character of the Grand Central District.

“We really loved the location and the Grand Central District,” Mawani said. “It’s a great neighborhood with a great vibe, and we felt this was a really good opportunity for us.”

Inside, customers will still find the familiar retro aesthetic: neon lights, carpeted floors, and shelves lined with colorful snacks and drinks, along with vapes, CBD, and kratom products.

In the future, the new owners may expand the store operations to the neighboring space within the building | zillow

According to the new owners, prices will remain the same, and the store will continue to honor the existing punch card loyalty program, which offers repeat customers a 25% discount on select items.

“From day one, we’ve been focused on being welcoming and respectful to everyone,” Shahabuddin said. “We want people to feel comfortable coming in, even if they’re just stopping by to say hi.”

For the time being, Strickland will remain around the shop to assist with the ownership transition, and some previous staff members will also stay on. He plans to move out of state afterward.

In a note posted on the door, Strickland announced his departure in characteristically blunt fashion, thanking customers, along with his critics, for helping him move on to his next chapter.

Looking ahead, the sisters say they plan to take a thoughtful approach, including evaluating an adjacent space that Strickland once intended to expand into.

“We’re going to take our time and listen to the community,” the owners said. “This is about a fresh start and serving the neighborhood in the best way we can.”