Name of Business: Ciganos Fine Cigars
Type of Business: Cigar retailer and lounge
Location: 101 E. Main St., Turlock
Hours of Operation: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday
Contact: 890-9350
History of Business: Elias Martinez used to travel far and wide looking for a fine cigar and a relaxing place in which to enjoy it. In 2013, he decided it was about time there was a cigar shop in his hometown and soon Ciganos Fine Cigars opened its doors to the public in downtown Turlock.
"My dad has been smoking cigars for about 10 years. He'd go to all these different cigar clubs all over California and then he decided to bring what he loves doing here to Turlock," said Miles Martinez.
Martinez has developed his own love of cigars while working in his father's shop.
"I started off with sweet cigars, but now I don't like them too sweet. I like them smooth, but not too dark," he said.
Baccarat, a traditional brand out of Honduras, is Martinez's current favorite cigar. Along with Baccarat, Ciganos has a wide variety of premium cigars in stock, including Rocky Patel, Padron and Alec Bradley.
It's not only the brand that makes a difference in cigars, however, it's the way they're stored.
"Our humidifier is really good, it's not like buying cigars out of a case," said Martinez.
Since opening in the spring of 2013, Ciganos has developed a regular clientele and, according to Martinez, the recent increase in downtown nightlife has also brought new customers into the shop.
"We're getting a little more popular. Downtown is growing and it's helpful to have people from 10 East and Vintage Lounge walking in the door," he said.
Martinez said the shop is already making preparations for the busy shopping season and Small Business Saturday. Ciganos will have home humidifiers and cigar packages ready for holiday shoppers.
Business Specialty: Ciganos specializes in fine cigars and offering a relaxing place to sit and smoke while socializing with friends and fellow cigar lovers.
