Opening a Cigar Lounge

[JohnRogers]

Well inmates I'm opening a cigar lounge soon, I know some of you just rolled your eyes. No this is not an idea, a concept, a plan or pipe dream. I have a location and funding, I should be selling my first cigars before the fall season is over. I'm in that first 100 days and would like to ask questions and have your opinions in this thread. So to begin...

Cigarette smoking, I'm leaning toward signage and such saying "Please Refrain from Cigarette Smoking". Thoughts? What is the policy at your favorite lounge?

[icehog3]

I am not sure I have see any "no cigarette smoking" signs in any on the B&M lounges in my area, John, but I can't remember seeing anyone smoking cigarettes there either.

Will you be allowed to sell alcohol in your lounge? You may be forfeiting some sales with an anti-cigarette policy if that's the case. If it is strictly a cigar lounge with soft drinks and coffee, then I wouldn't think it could hurt you at all.

P.S....Great success with the venture!

[shilala]

I think it's best to keep the "don'ts" to a bare minimum.
To disallow cigarette smoking is borderline senseless when there are umpteen cigars burning, at least in my way of thinking.
I know I certainly wouldn't be offended by anyone smoking a cigarette where smoking is allowed. I'd be happy for the guy. A brother can't smoke a cigarette anywhere nowadays.

[JohnRogers]

Will you be allowed to sell alcohol in your lounge? You may be forfeiting some sales with an anti-cigarette policy if that's the case.

P.S....Great success with the venture!
Yes a full alcohol beverage bar once the OK ABLE commission grants my permit, they are notoriously slow.

Thanks for the reply and wishing me well, I won't be selling online but at some point do I need to convert to a Retail Membership?

I think it's best to keep the "don'ts" to a bare minimum...I know I certainly wouldn't be offended by anyone smoking a cigarette where smoking is allowed. I'd be happy for the guy. A brother can't smoke a cigarette anywhere nowadays.
Scott, thanks for the input. I figured most cigar smokers didn't like being around cigarette smoke, I know I don't. I may be overestimating that whole thing. Thanks for the reply.

[icehog3]

If you are selling alcohol, I agree with Scott, the less "don't"s, the better.

[The Poet]

I'd have a "philosophical" problem with banning cigarette smokers. I no longer indulge, but I know many cigar smokers who smoke both. Plus, I herfed with Lew Rothman at JRs Whippany on several occasions, and he himself, one of the most powerful men in the cigar business, would normally smoke cigs.

You should feel free to do as you choose, but choosing to restrict the freedom of others in your choice seems odd to me. Just sayin'. :2

[bobarian]

Good luck on your endeavor. Do other bars in your area allow smoking? If so, then you pribably won't have to worry about cigarette smokers crowding out your target customers. You could require a cigar purchase or charge a table minimum if casual cigarette smokers become an issue. :2

[Ogre]

The cigar lounges in my area do not allow cigarette smoking.

[Frank-D-Tank]

I think it's best to keep the "don'ts" to a bare minimum.
To disallow cigarette smoking is borderline senseless when there are umpteen cigars burning, at least in my way of thinking.
I know I certainly wouldn't be offended by anyone smoking a cigarette where smoking is allowed. I'd be happy for the guy. A brother can't smoke a cigarette anywhere nowadays.

This^^

I'm no expert, but from a customer standpoint, most don't want to walk in to a new place and be hit with a bunch of "don't" and "no". I wouldn't worry about it at first. If down the line it becomes a problem, you can always implement the "no cigarettes" later, but I doubt it will be necessary.

Best of luck!

[MurphysLaw]

Put the no cigarette smoking sign in the ladies room, if anyone complains you can direct them to the cigarette free zone :r

[JohnRogers]

Put the no cigarette smoking sign in the ladies room, if anyone complains you can direct them to the cigarette free zone :r
LOL...Thank you all for chiming in I appreciate the :2 very much!
:tu

[ApexAZ]

There are cig smokers in my lounge all the time. I have no issues with it. I can't think of a time where I ever smelled it.

I think the more foot traffic, the better. Especially if serving alcohol, as others pointed out.

Good luck!

[TJtorpedo]

First of all, I commend you brother for opening a lounge and doing something you love. Best of luck!

Second, the alcohol might draw some cig smokers, but if your establishment is primarily known for cigars, I wouldn't worry too much. Like others have said, you probably dont want to exclude groups of folks, but you can always curtail it after the fact if the cigarettes get out of hand. It's ironic, but I typically get dirty looks from cig smokers when I'm lighting a cigar, so you'll want to make sure you cater to the cigar smokers. Just my observation.

[stevef2005]

Down here at the B&M I frequent in OKC they do allow cigarette smoking. They dont sell you Marlboros and Winstons but they sell natural cigarettes and loose leaf tobacco to roll your own. Most folks who hangout though dont have issues if some lights up.

Let me know when things are up and running too. Long overdue for that OK herf. What better place than ur place!!

[baust55]

Here in Nebraska there is no public smoking allowed anywhere .....but a few B&M and cigar lounges have an exception ,the law dose not allow cigarettes just cigars .

[jhedrick83]

The lounges I have been to in TN don't have any restrictions on cigarette smoking and I personally have never smelled them when people have lit up. Like others have said, I would try to encourage as much foot traffic as possible. I wish you the best of luck and post up some pictures as you go!

[CigarNut]

The lounges in Oregon only allow cigars -- cigarettes and pipes (and vaping) are specifically not allowed as they are considered "chemically treated" tobaccos.

[mosesbotbol]

You're are crazy if you have a sign turning away any business. Making a profit on a cigar lounge is hard enough and turn away anyone is crazy. Most cigar lounges have so much ventilation that it could toxic fumes and you can barely smell it.

You should be thinking more on the lines of "how can I get everyone around smokers or not into my lounge?" Think of ways to broaden the appeal beyond than a place to smoke cigars.

[E.J.]

Congrats on your new venture! I wish you all the best and success!

[Shaneg]

I would maybe let the staff tell the customers it's 'allowed' but frowned apon, and leave it at that- cigars are one of the last refuges from this don't do this dont do that world we live in, I would hate to see any signage of that sort at the local tobacconist, despite not liking the smell myself.

[JohnRogers]

Thanks everyone for chiming in, this has been helpful.
Down here at the B&M I frequent in OKC they do allow cigarette smoking. They dont sell you Marlboros and Winstons but they sell natural cigarettes and loose leaf tobacco to roll your own...Long overdue for that OK herf. What better place than ur place!!
Steve what B&M do you frequent? I get down that OKC way quite often.

You should be thinking more on the lines of "how can I get everyone around smokers or not into my lounge?" Think of ways to broaden the appeal beyond than a place to smoke cigars.
Moses, the plan to broaden appeal which will work in my city, is the jazz aspect of the lounge. The BOTL and walk-in humidor will always be the number one focus but the place will also be the town's only dedicated jazz venue. Which is why the ventilation system is something I spend a lot time considering.

So next topic, what ventilation systems work or don't work at the B&M lounge you frequent?

[czerbe]

I saw good luck, and while I'm not a fan of cig. smoke, I think you will have a hard time with it. I say let it go and take the business.

[jhedrick83]

I was just getting on to make a ventilation post and saw you asked about it. My biggest gripe with my local B&Ms is that they don't have nearly enough ventilation. It's sufficient if there are just a couple guys in there smoking, but evenings and weekends, forget it. To be honest I avoid the local B&Ms when I want to relax and enjoy a smoke or catch a game. When it looks like Snoop Dogg's car inside and your eyes start to itch and burn, the appeal is gone. I'm far from afraid of a smoky environment but it seems like some of these places don't even try. That's probably my #1 concern when it comes to a lounge. #2 would be TVs and comfy chairs laid out in a way that it is easy to watch the TV if you so desire.

:2

[baust55]

IN any bar/lounge ,B&M make sure the volume on music and tv is not loud so you can have a conversation and that goes for sports ... especially sports .

I always leave the min the volume is jacked up . I could care less about cigs.

[Gabe215]

Allow people to smoke cigarettes. The employee of the smoke shop by me smokes cigarettes at the register and never bothered anyone. Now acid cigars pissed everyone off in the lounge!

[jjirons69]

Way cool! Congrats!!! I also don't believe in turning away business. Serve salty pretzels and peanuts at the bar, too. A self-serve popcorn machine in the corner also makes for thirsty customers. Good ventilation is a MUST.

[shilala]

...but they sell natural cigarettes and loose leaf tobacco to roll your own.
That's just plain smart. Especially if they sell all the gear, too.

[Gabe215]

Oh and all that E cig and vapor stuff sells real well also! Should probably look into all that as well!

[JohnRogers]

Oh and all that E cig and vapor stuff sells real well also! Should probably look into all that as well!
I was planning on welcoming the E-Cig/Vapor folks.

Jamie, thanks for some of the salty snack suggestions. I didn't think about the pop-corn machine. :tu

More opinions on ventilation from your experience please.

[stevef2005]

Steve what B&M do you frequent? I get down that OKC way quite often.


Tobacco Exchange off 63rd and May. Ill PM you some contact info for me.

[stevef2005]

That's just plain smart. Especially if they sell all the gear, too.

They do!! -(P :banger

[JohnRogers]

I'm going to get slightly off-topic for a moment. I have entered a business grant competition. A full service cigar lounge requires a significant investment to get started. Winning this grant competition will be a big help.

How do I increase the odds of winning for my dream?
Get the word out! Use your social media networks, word of mouth marketing, and other creative marketing ideas to encourage others to vote for your business.

So if you have a Facebook account please consider voting daily through Oct 17th. Click the link below. You'll also get a better idea of what Denise and I are opening later this fall.
http://www.dreambigoklahoma.com/entrydetails.aspx?entry=91

Thanks in advance! :tu

[Dave128]

Good luck with your new venture! :tu

[mosesbotbol]

Can you still smoke cigars in the bar at Mickey Mantle's? A lot of restaurants allow smoking inside. I use to go to some British pub chain, I forget its name...

There's enough tourists coming to OKC to make it "go to" place when visiting the city. For that, location is critical. People from out of town don't want to drive far and wide to go from dinner to cigar lounge.

I spent almost a year working OKC, Monday-Friday, flying home on the weekend. I have pretty good outsider view of the city and culture there.

[cigarmarine]

-(Pthe stinch of cigarette smoke cant out do the beautiful smell of a cigar

[NCRadioMan]

What do you mean by "dedicated jazz venue"?

[RWhisenand]

Just a quick little story about cigs at a cigar bar. At a nice cigar bar I rarely go to as it is not in my normal travel route, I did stop in to pick up a few stickes one afternoon. At the bar were two very nice looking women enjoying a glass of wine and each with a cigarette. Now I don't go to a cigar shop to pick up women, but the eye candy wasn't bad while enjoying a short corona. Haven't seen this at other lounges since, my vote is to allow cigs.

[ColdCuts]

John, first, my most sincere congratulations. You are actually living my dream. I am genuinely happy for you, if not a little jealous. :tu

I don't know squat about ventilation, sorry. As for cigarettes, I don't care for the smell of them myself, but I'll echo what others have said and say allow them. The way I see it, if you sell them, you have to let your customers smoke them. If cigars are your clear focus, hopefully cigarette smokers will be few.

It's a tricky thing though and the line is yours to draw. My wife is a cigarette smoker. It's hard for me to imagine that she'd have to leave a lounge to have a cigarette outside while I'm puffing away on my cigar inside. But I guess that's the way it is in some places.

As a customer in my fantasy dream shop, there'd be no cigarettes, vape pens, e-cigs, hookahs, or artificially flavored cigars. But you're opening a shop in the real world. You're a cigar man, but you're a business man. I suppose much depends on your clientele. It would be great if only cigar smokers--and lots of 'em--walked through your door. But, who'll be walking in? Jazz people. I'd bet that there are a lot of cigarette smokers among the jazz crowd.

Let us know how you decide to handle it.

[MagicDrop]

I enjoy both Cigars and cigarettes. I wouldn't exclude cigarette smokers. I don't see why a Cigar smoker would be offended by cigarette smoke. The Cigar is so much stronger of a smell, which is why cigarette smokers at times get offended she someone lights a cigar as others have pointed out but if your walking into a Cigar lounge you would be a cool to be offended by cigar smoke!

Congrats on following up on you dream and making it a reality.

[mosesbotbol]

Now I don't go to a cigar shop to pick up women, but the eye candy wasn't bad while enjoying a short corona. Haven't seen this at other lounges since, my vote is to allow cigs.

Nothing will make your business more successful than having it frequented by attractive women. Nothing!

[RWhisenand]

Nothing will make your business more successful than having it frequented by attractive women. Nothing!

Preach It!

[JohnRogers]

Blugill, Mr. Grimes and I had some time to sit and burn a couple in the new space and ponder what will be. It is going to be great!

Thank you all for your thoughts and opinions on the subject.

[JohnRogers]

I realize a walk-in humidor is not just about size but I'd like to ask the assemblage here. How many boxes of cigars does a respectable walk-in humidor need to hold in your opinion?

[mosesbotbol]

I realize a walk-in humidor is not just about size but I'd like to ask the assemblage here. How many boxes of cigars does a respectable walk-in humidor need to hold in your opinion?

Guessing about 400+

[JohnRogers]

Opinions please. So the humidor I can afford from the numbers in my budget holds about 135 boxes of cigars. Is that enough to start with in a community of 50,000?

[WhiteMamba]

I would say it's all about quality over quantity.:2

[JohnRogers]

I would say it's all about quality over quantity.:2
That is what I'd hope that a selection of quality sticks would over come humidor size. I can always expand my selection later. I can't open if I constantly blow my budget.

Hoping to sell my first cigar before January is over.

[CigarNut]

That is what I'd hope that a selection of quality sticks would over come humidor size. I can always expand my selection later. I can't open if I constantly blow my budget.

Hoping to sell my first cigar before January is over.

Very cool!

[Flynnster]

Also, you can keep just a small stock on the shelves in the humidor, and get a few coolers to keep your stock.

I've noticed a lot of places that keep all of their stock out in the walk in, and I really only need to see one box of what I'm looking for and if I want a whole box I can ask.

[jhedrick83]

Also, you can keep just a small stock on the shelves in the humidor, and get a few coolers to keep your stock.

I've noticed a lot of places that keep all of their stock out in the walk in, and I really only need to see one box of what I'm looking for and if I want a whole box I can ask.

+1. Congrats on opening soon. Can we see some pics inside?!

[badbriar]

I realize a walk-in humidor is not just about size but I'd like to ask the assemblage here. How many boxes of cigars does a respectable walk-in humidor need to hold in your opinion?
Very subjective question. One of the nicest B&M's I've seen is Tampa Sweethearts and try do NOT have a walk in humidor. They probably only have 200-300 boxes. Their forte is customer service and great selection of the brands they carry. Service and good cigars will trump a huge number of mediocre boxes. My :2
RR

[WhiteMamba]

+1. Congrats on opening soon. Can we see some pics inside?!

:np

[mosesbotbol]

Dunhill use to have a store in Boston with a small walk-in. They had about 200 boxes of cigars. It was the experience that made the trip worth it rather than any particular box they had on hand. Actually, they kept the walk-in a little too humid for my taste.

If you are not going to be the cigar shop that has everything as the experience, you have to think of what the experience is going to be like so a customer will be happy with the limited selection. I would have few brands, but good ones that are well represented.

Make the presentation, selection, interaction, sale, and post sale experience a real event so the consumer looks forward to whole thing. Have you been to been to www.hajenius.com in Amsterdam? Buy a cigar from them and you'll understand what I mean. I am sure there are other shops that make buying one cigar or a box a special event and that is what you need to achieve.

Volume is not where you'll business will excel at least initially.

[JohnRogers]

Things are progressing nicely on the lease. Build out should start soon. My walk in will hold about 135 boxes of cigars which about 80 more than anyone else in town.

[AdamJoshua]

Great to hear, John! Keep the updates coming and pics when available. :tu

[Subvet642]

I am not sure I have see any "no cigarette smoking" signs in any on the B&M lounges in my area, John, but I can't remember seeing anyone smoking cigarettes there either.

Will you be allowed to sell alcohol in your lounge? You may be forfeiting some sales with an anti-cigarette policy if that's the case. If it is strictly a cigar lounge with soft drinks and coffee, then I wouldn't think it could hurt you at all.

P.S....Great success with the venture!

To expand upon the above: I smoke cigarettes too, and if I'm smoking a cigarette while walking into a B&M/Lounge and someone tells me to put it out, I will and then I'll walk out, never to return. I can accept an anti-cigarette stance from non-smokers, but I will not accept elitist hypocrisy from other tobacco users. It enrages me! The B&M/Lounge in my neighborhood sells cigarettes, head shop things and hookah supplies, too. He won't turn away paying customers. Business is business and hobbies don't pay the bills. :2

[mosesbotbol]

To expand upon the above: I smoke cigarettes too, and if I'm smoking a cigarette while walking into a B&M/Lounge and someone tells me to put it out, I will and then I'll walk out, never to return. I can accept an anti-cigarette stance from non-smokers, but I will not accept elitist hypocrisy from other tobacco users. It enrages me! The B&M/Lounge in my neighborhood sells cigarettes, head shop things and hookah supplies, too. He won't turn away paying customers. Business is business and hobbies don't pay the bills. :2

I don't smoke cigarettes, but agree totally with your sentiment.

[CigarNut]

To expand upon the above: I smoke cigarettes too, and if I'm smoking a cigarette while walking into a B&M/Lounge and someone tells me to put it out, I will and then I'll walk out, never to return. I can accept an anti-cigarette stance from non-smokers, but I will not accept elitist hypocrisy from other tobacco users. It enrages me! The B&M/Lounge in my neighborhood sells cigarettes, head shop things and hookah supplies, too. He won't turn away paying customers. Business is business and hobbies don't pay the bills. :2

I don't smoke cigarettes, but agree totally with your sentiment.

While I agree with the sentiment, it depends upon the state or local laws. Here in Oregon, it is not legal to smoke cigarettes in a cigar lounge (or any establishment licensed for cigar smoking). Cigarettes and pipes are considered by the state to be "chemically treated tobaccos"...

[badbriar]

I've only seen someone smoking a cigarette in a cigar shop on one occasion. IMHO, it ruins the atmosphere.
As for not selling alcohol, a favorite B & M here has free water & beers in the frige. It's customary to hit the tip jar when you take one and most customers are very good and generous!

[mncigarguy]

Good luck on your endeavor. Do other bars in your area allow smoking? If so, then you pribably won't have to worry about cigarette smokers crowding out your target customers. You could require a cigar purchase or charge a table minimum if casual cigarette smokers become an issue. :2

This would be a problem, cigarette drinkers will crowd out your intentions, I assume. I have never seen anyone smoke a cigarette at a cigar B&M before, maybe I just never noticed

[mosesbotbol]

This would be a problem, cigarette drinkers will crowd out your intentions, I assume. I have never seen anyone smoke a cigarette at a cigar B&M before, maybe I just never noticed

I'd only worry or address it when it comes to that point. How many cigar lounges suffer from having too many customers?

[mncigarguy]

Should have said, Congrats to you, rather than chiming in with hogwash first, sorry!
Wish you the best!

[mncigarguy]

I'd only worry or address it when it comes to that point. How many cigar lounges suffer from having too many customers?

I know a few that could use less- ha! Good looking Sable in your avatar, I had a tri-color Corgi, little guy blew out both acl's, expensive dogs! Carried him for weeks up and down stairs while recovering, one acl at a time. Must be why the Queen owns them.

[JohnRogers]

As some of you may know the lease negotiations fell apart a few months ago. I have since found another location.

Lease is signed.

HVAC/ventilation system is being installed next week.

The walk-in humidor has been ordered and should be ready in about five weeks.

So all this is finally feeling real. Thanks for all the advice and opinion.

[CigarNut]

Congratulations!

[badbriar]

A consideration to think about, and a good problem to have would be having too many customers. I'm talking about more bodies than available seats.
One great local Orlando shop is Ol Times. On the weekends, you need to get there before 2 in the afternoon to get a seat. They are very popular and are seriously short on seating. Great, large cigar selection with killer prices, just not enough seating. I've seen customers come in, look at no available seats and leave. Lost sales. Most people who go in and nest, end up having two or three cigars and buy some to take home. That's $30 to $100 sales per chair for most regulars.
Another issue is younger cigar or pipe enthusiasts who nest and play chess or cards and only have one stick, but take up a coveted leather chair for hours. Again, lost sales.
Here's an idea for you... Have a domino table in your shop. At Ol Times, dominos age very popular and keep customers there for a long while and buying more cigars!
BTW Cigarettes are highly discouraged by the regulars. Ruins a good cigar aroma.

[E.J.]

Congratulations!

[cmitch]

Badbriar hit it on the head. Lack of available seating does cause some to leave. Our new local B&M just opened in October and already has growing pains. It was a full house last night and fortunately we have an outdoor covered patio that the owner is preparing to install roll up garage doors all around along with gas fire pits. We have a domino table and it gets used often. You can visit their website for their 2 locations: cigarroom.net and our local's facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/CigarRoomShoals?ref=ts&fref=ts

[JohnRogers]

Funny that we haven’t even opened yet and yes we are concerned about needing more space. Our first purposed location was almost too big. Our current location is almost too small. The upside is starting off less expensive, training my self to give excellent customer service with a number I can handle. Of course we are concerned with the notion of a reputation for not having available seating.

Fortunately I’m already talking about expanding into the space currently occupied by a business that doesn’t really fit in with the “boutique” hotel and has no lease.

[mosesbotbol]

You could charge hourly for the gaming.

[Oshay]

To expand upon the above: I smoke cigarettes too, and if I'm smoking a cigarette while walking into a B&M/Lounge and someone tells me to put it out, I will and then I'll walk out, never to return. I can accept an anti-cigarette stance from non-smokers, but I will not accept elitist hypocrisy from other tobacco users. It enrages me! The B&M/Lounge in my neighborhood sells cigarettes, head shop things and hookah supplies, too. He won't turn away paying customers. Business is business and hobbies don't pay the bills. :2

:banger

[Pat1075]

Congratulations! I just opened a shop myself and couldn't be happier. Build the bigger humidor, they are difficult to expand later.

[ColdCuts]

I smoke cigarettes too, and if I'm smoking a cigarette while walking into a B&M/Lounge and someone tells me to put it out, I will and then I'll walk out, never to return. I can accept an anti-cigarette stance from non-smokers, but I will not accept elitist hypocrisy from other tobacco users. It enrages me!

I used to feel similarly. I was a pack-a-day cigarette smoker for fifteen years. My wife smokes cigarettes to this day. So I can sort of see why you'd be upset. But it's not necessarily elitist hypocrisy at work. The truth is, cigarette smoke does wreck the aroma of a cigar. You don't see it that way because you can't tell. I know. I'm speaking from experience here. It's evident to me now. It wasn't back when I smoked cigarettes. Looking back, I wish I'd left my cigarettes out of the B&Ms just out of consideration.

[mosesbotbol]

How about a more cigarette focused section of the lounge?

[JohnRogers]

Congratulations! I just opened a shop myself and couldn't be happier. Build the bigger humidor, they are difficult to expand later.
Good luck Patrick, I look forward to seeing more pictures!

[JohnRogers]

How about a more cigarette focused section of the lounge?
Moses, I just don't have the space. I also won't be carrying any cigarettes, just cigars and a small selection of pipe tobacco.

[mosesbotbol]

Moses, I just don't have the space. I also won't be carrying any cigarettes, just cigars and a small selection of pipe tobacco.

That's fine, not selling cigarettes.

Charge a lighting fee for cigars or cigarettes brought into lounge that were not purchased there. Charge per cigarette the same fee as per cigar. This will deter cigarette smoking some or put more money into your pocket.

[Subvet642]

I used to feel similarly. I was a pack-a-day cigarette smoker for fifteen years. My wife smokes cigarettes to this day. So I can sort of see why you'd be upset. But it's not necessarily elitist hypocrisy at work. The truth is, cigarette smoke does wreck the aroma of a cigar. You don't see it that way because you can't tell. I know. I'm speaking from experience here. It's evident to me now. It wasn't back when I smoked cigarettes. Looking back, I wish I'd left my cigarettes out of the B&Ms just out of consideration.

I don't suppose they can ruin the aroma of Acids or Backwoods Grape. :D

[JohnRogers]

The exhaust fan is quieter than the HVAC system. I'm pleased with the pace of progress at the lounge.

[JohnRogers]

Progress on the space is going well. About 5 days behind schedule. Here are some pics of the humidor nearly complete at the factory.

[Porch Dweller]

:tu

[mosesbotbol]

Progress on the space is going well. About 5 days behind schedule. Here are some pics of the humidor nearly complete at the factory.

Wow!!! That looks amazing; good for you!!! :dr

[ColdCuts]

Humidor looks beautiful.

[stevef2005]

When you get open Ill swing by one afternoon. Check it out in all its glory. Humidor looks amazing as well!!

[JohnRogers]

Beta tested the cigar lounge, ventilation system seems to be working well.

Our very own BluGill assisting with the humidor assembly, I couldn't have done it without him. Mr. Grimes was assisting as well.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11892204_887772341311525_805684761880695581_n.jpg? oh=017f1f3b45de5812fa33edcdbd6ff56c&oe=56733D94

[AdamJoshua]

Progress on the space is going well. About 5 days behind schedule. Here are some pics of the humidor nearly complete at the factory.

That is very cool! It's all looking good, congrats and again the best of luck to you!

[JohnRogers]

That is very cool! It's all looking good, congrats and again the best of luck to you!
Thanks, wow the drama since I posted last. My contractor was supposed to be done July 10th...he might be done tomorrow.

[mosesbotbol]

Looking good.

Do you have a liquor license? What other service or offerings do you have beyond cigar sales and sitting area?

[JohnRogers]

Do you have a liquor license? What other service or offerings do you have beyond cigar sales and sitting area?

Phase One: a traditional cigar retailer. We'll sell you a cigar. Enjoy it sitting in a comfortable club chair or take it home. Our goal is Friday the 21st.

Phase Two: the Low Point Beer bar. More bar equipment arrives next week. After the plumber and city inspectors are done we'll sell you a 3.2 beverage or if you prefer a French press coffee. Time frame about 3 weeks max.

Phase Three: the full liquor bar. That is still a few months away. Let's not focus negative energy on a slow state bureaucracy. ;0)

[mosesbotbol]

So you are building out with phase three in mind? Sounds like you are going about it the right way. How far are you from OKC?

[JohnRogers]

Yes sir. 90 minutes north of OKC by car.

[stevef2005]

Enid though is not a tiny town by any means.

I will be making the trip up sometime soon. Assuming that you are open, maybe the Thursday before labor day. I am taking some time off.

[JohnRogers]

Enid though is not a tiny town by any means.

I will be making the trip up sometime soon. Assuming that you are open, maybe the Thursday before labor day. I am taking some time off.
It would be great to see you. I'll keep you posted here on progress.

[JohnRogers]

Enid though is not a tiny town by any means.

I will be making the trip up sometime soon. Assuming that you are open, maybe the Thursday before labor day. I am taking some time off.
Been open three days now, tired but excited! I'm operating as a cigar retailer for now. The 3.2 beer bar opens soon, less than 3 weeks. Full liquor in a few months.

I couldn't have done it without fellow inmate BluGill

[CigarNut]

Very cool, John! Congratulations!

[Wolverine]

I may be new to the forum and the cigar world but I know awesome when I see it

[dijit]

Great looking shop brother. Now I just need to find an excuse to get out there to see it!

[Porch Dweller]

:cl

[joatmon]

Sweet!

[irratebass]

:banger

[mosesbotbol]

Great job so far.

[stevef2005]

I need store hours. I am taking a few days off this week and think I may try and make a trip up on Thursday, time permitting.

[longknocker]

Congrats, John!:D Looking Good, Brother!:tu I Think The French Pressed Coffee Is A Great Idea!:dr I Actually Pick My Restaurants Related To Their French Pressed Coffee & I Would Love To Have A Cup After A Cigar And A Few Adult Beverages! Good Luck & Keep Us Updated!:)

[JohnRogers]

I need store hours. I am taking a few days off this week and think I may try and make a trip up on Thursday, time permitting.
We'll be open noon to 10pm the rest of the week.

Thanks all for the kind words.

[mosesbotbol]

I may be in OKC next week.

[JohnRogers]

Gurkha at the lounge

Forgive me if they are your favorite brand. I haven't smoked a Gurkha in years, none of "my boys" do either. My supplier had a major falling out with Gurkha and doesn't carry them. Yet I think I shouldn't ignore the brand.

What two or three Gurkha cigars are must carry in your opinion?

[mosesbotbol]

I may be in OKC next week.

Was a cigar-less week in OKC... Barely got to eat at any of my favorite local restaurants....