Opening a Cigar Lounge

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[WhiteMamba]

Originally Posted by jhedrick83

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

[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.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by Subvet642

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.

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

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"...

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]

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

[CigarNut]

Congratulations!

[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.

[mosesbotbol]

How about a more cigarette focused section of the lounge?

[JohnRogers]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

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]

Originally Posted by JohnRogers

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.

[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.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by 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.

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