TOB_Magazine

[ 74 ] TOBACCO BUSINESS [ MAY / JUNE | 18 ] says Gary Kolesaire. A 200-square-foot humidor was also constructed on the mezzanine level. It housed “super premium cigars,” such as Avo, Juan Clemente, Oscar and a little-known (at the time) brand located just outside Miami called Padron. The shop was also able to win a contract with Davidoff. The 500-square-foot original store was then rented to another business. “By 1996, with the Cigar Boom catapulted into full throttle, the humidor was rebuilt using the full 500-square- foot area of the little store,” says Kolesaire. “The right product was essential and this gave the shop additional room to grow.” The expanded space gave the shop a seven-window store- front where inviting seasonal vignettes are set up to entice passerbys strolling the downtown area inside. “It’s import- ant to keep the windows immaculate,” says Gary Kolesaire. “They give people the first impression of the store.” Originally built in 1931, the mezzanine was brought up to current codes during construction. It is outfitted with comfortable leather wing chairs where customers can gather to enjoy a great smoke. It also displays more than 500 pipes. Bookshelves were added to give it an English library feel. “We wanted our clientele to feel like they should put on slippers when they come in to enjoy the camaraderie,” says Kolesaire. Moving on Up Constant evolution is clearly a fundamental part of the Kolesaires’ strategy for success. In 2012, the concept of a Davidoff Lounge became a reality. Being of a global concept, each lounge has certain Davidoff markings. “The design team then took the location, the building and glob- al concepts and incorporated them all into a beautiful, functional space,” says Gary Kolesaire.  The third floor of the building was gutted, with the removal of 200,000 pounds of construction debris. The only remaining properties were the two 1931 skylights and the original brick walls, which helped retain the industrial look of the property. Artwork incorporating images depict- ing cigar smoking, New York and local history was created by UR New York. Bringing the vision to life demanded some doing, notes Gary Kolesaire. “They had to clear out the space by bringing all the ripped-out remains of those tiny offices down those flights of stairs. The fireplace ➤ Our rent was tripled, competitors came in, taxes went up—you name it, we faced it. The Tobacco Shop Continued Photo courtesy of The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood The spacious first floor showcases pipe tobacco and an adjacent walk-in humidor.