well i believe he is new.but to be honest im not sure... i know the original owners Z and his brother..i have known them since they literally opened on friar.with their other partner james... crazy to think how long ago that is now and how far they have come..makes me proud to think some of the stuff i taught them they utilized and gained on it and are doing well now......and am cordial with the new partners.. i havent dropped cuts in years to be honest. to much work so we donate mother plants... if at all to any where and last places were in norcal about a year and some change ago..