dj1340
12-11-2015, 07:07 AM
A little back story. Earlier this year, some friends and I were in Tampa on a golf trip. We arrived Fri. night and hit some of the local
microbreweries and grabbed some food. Sat. morning we went to Tampa Sweetheart Cigar shop, we got there at 10.00 as the shop
was opening.
The only person there, much to my surprise, was Auturo Fuente Jr. All I can say is, what a gracious and open person he is. He gave us
the story on all the cigars that they make with some history behind each line. We got the full tour of the shop and some family history
as well as some history behind the city of Tampa and Ybor City with regards to cigars and shops that used to be there.
Also got some good info on Cuban Coffee shops as well as Cuban Bakeries in the area. We probably spent close to an hour there talking
to him about the culture and what it was like there in the early days. All I can say is, what a history lesson!
Came home yesterday to find the following in the mail box. Hand written note saying thanks for the visit. Now, how many places or people
will do that let alone remember you? If anyone is ever in Tampa do yourself a favor and visit the store. You may be lucky enough to run
into Arturo like we did. Such a great and memorable experience!
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/dj1340/1211150645_zpsbn5ha6xl.jpg (http://s680.photobucket.com/user/dj1340/media/1211150645_zpsbn5ha6xl.jpg.html)
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/dj1340/1211150646_zpsejouuhlx.jpg (http://s680.photobucket.com/user/dj1340/media/1211150646_zpsejouuhlx.jpg.html)
microbreweries and grabbed some food. Sat. morning we went to Tampa Sweetheart Cigar shop, we got there at 10.00 as the shop
was opening.
The only person there, much to my surprise, was Auturo Fuente Jr. All I can say is, what a gracious and open person he is. He gave us
the story on all the cigars that they make with some history behind each line. We got the full tour of the shop and some family history
as well as some history behind the city of Tampa and Ybor City with regards to cigars and shops that used to be there.
Also got some good info on Cuban Coffee shops as well as Cuban Bakeries in the area. We probably spent close to an hour there talking
to him about the culture and what it was like there in the early days. All I can say is, what a history lesson!
Came home yesterday to find the following in the mail box. Hand written note saying thanks for the visit. Now, how many places or people
will do that let alone remember you? If anyone is ever in Tampa do yourself a favor and visit the store. You may be lucky enough to run
into Arturo like we did. Such a great and memorable experience!
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/dj1340/1211150645_zpsbn5ha6xl.jpg (http://s680.photobucket.com/user/dj1340/media/1211150645_zpsbn5ha6xl.jpg.html)
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv164/dj1340/1211150646_zpsejouuhlx.jpg (http://s680.photobucket.com/user/dj1340/media/1211150646_zpsejouuhlx.jpg.html)