Gordon Mott

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Fabulous New Cigar Shop

Posted: 03:02 PM ET, December 02, 2008

Wow! That’s all I can say about the new Cigar Inn on Second Avenue, between 53rd and 54th Streets in New York City. Gus and Billy Fakih, who also own the original Cigar Inn on First Avenue between 70th and 71st, cut the ribbon on their second store this morning, December 2. Their other brother, Bass, was there too, since he is a partner in the new shop. About 50 people showed up for the 10 a.m. ceremony. There was a red ribbon. A rabbi blessed the store. And everyone tested the store’s great ventilation system by lighting up in celebration.

Full disclosure here: This Cigar Inn is the first time that Cigar Aficionado has licensed the use of its name with a tobacconist. Inside the shop, there is the Cigar Aficionado humidor and there is a Cigar Aficionado lounge at the back of the store. The lounge has lockers, which are for rent, and lots of couches and tables where people can sit and hang out. There’s no liquor license, but locker holders can keep their favorite beverage there for themselves, and, of course, they buy up their favorite cigars to keep them there. Not that anyone will ever lack for a selection of great cigars; the shop already has a pretty full compliment of all the most sought after cigar brands.

But here’s where it gets even better. There are two barber chairs that will have professionals doing shaving and hair cutting. And, there are two shoe-shine chairs, which will be the domain of young ladies who will also be working in the lounge.

I told the Fakih brothers there was only one word to describe the new shop: Fabulous. It’s been beautifully designed to not only cater to the walk-in trade, but to provide a comfortable setting for people to sit down and smoke a cigar. One of the guests said it was like having a new living room to go to and hang out with a cigar.

Take a look for yourself. We shot a little video this morning:

So, next time you’re in the neighborhood, check out the Cigar Inn on Second Avenue. As they say in the Michelin guide, it’s worth the detour.

(5 comments on this post) Submit your comments >

Reader Comments

User Name: Jose Blanco Posted: 07:00 AM ET, December 03, 2008

Would like to wish the best for Billy, Gus,and Bass in the new store, know they will keep doing a great job, if your in the Big Apple stop in.

User Name: Mark Weinberg, brooklyn new york Posted: 02:37 PM ET, December 04, 2008

Looks awesome cant wait to check it out

User Name: Anthony Sestito, Anthony Sestito Posted: 05:33 PM ET, December 06, 2008

Looks great. I'm new to cigars and cigar aficionado has helped me to understand everything about cigars; from brand names to the whole entire cigar smoking culture. It would be an honor to smoke a cigar in your new lounge. I can't wait & thanks for a wonderful magazine!

User Name: Fausto Enrique Abreu, New York, NY Posted: 02:38 PM ET, December 11, 2008

Looks extremely nice and upscale. I definitely will visit the new Cigar Inn, and have a great smoke in the Cigar Aficionado lounge to relax and enjoy. I would like to go on a day to see the Giants game.

User Name: Bruce Milstein Posted: 09:18 PM ET, December 11, 2008

Congrats to Billy, Gus, & Bass. I had the pleasure of stopping in their new establishment this afternoon. In order to celebrate, the occassion, I selected a Padron 1926 40th Maduro. The price was right, the humidity was perfect and the atmosphere was serene. I am an avid Cigar fan, and I can say this is the first time that I was able to speak with such a knowledgeable staff. This opportunity is a nobrainer. If you live or work anywhere near the new Cigar Inn, become a member now while you still can!! Cigar Aficionado knows a good thing when they see it also...good move on putting your name on this cigar experience.

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