Tampa Sweethearts

[jhedrick83]

After spending several months getting life back in order, I planned a quick 4 day vacation just to get away and unplug. I had a flight voucher I had to use for Allegiant by 9/20 and decided to visit Tampa/Clearwater. While there, I decided to visit Ybor City and actually got to Tampa Sweethearts. As many of you may know, I love Fuentes. All Fuentes, I even drink the coffee. I got there about 45 minutes before close on Saturday and was surprised by how small the shop was. Just an old house they converted to a shop. I went inside and was instantly greeted by Arturo Fuente Jr. So, of course I went 100% fan boy. I was the only customer there and he was kind enough to sit and talk to me about some of my favorite cigars, the company and family history, places I should go in Ybor CIty, etc. He then gave me his card and signed all that I bought. So, I got to hang out with him for a good 45 minutes one on one out of the blue. Probably the coolest cigar moment of my life. An awesome way to end a trip where I was trying to recharge from all the stress of 2019. Sorry guys, now 200% Fuente Fanboy....

[Regiampiero]

Very nice. Just goes to show why this industry is so great, it's full of people that love what they do. Cynthia comes around my b&m about twice a year and she's just lovely to talk to.

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[Kidvegas]

Very cool bro!

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[CentralTimeSmoke]

Very nice. The pilgrimage!

[WNYTONY]

WTF ????

Really @jhedrick83 ??

"Probably the coolest cigar moment of my life."

You're seriously discounting the ORGY here aren't you ??? Meeting and hanging with all of us Bums.......

Actually - that's really cool that you just stumbled in and got to spend some time one on one with him.

[SoCal gunner]

Wow, that's pretty cool!

What's some of the cigar talk you guys shared?

[Brimy]

That's really cool Jesse!!

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[dj1340]

Had the same reception about 2 yrs. ago. Only customer in the store on a Sat. morning. He took his time and explained all
the cigars and really gave me a history lesson about Tampa and Ybor City. Such a neat guy and I also got a signed coffin.

Worth the stop if anyone is close to Tampa.

[jhedrick83]

Wow, that's pretty cool!

What's some of the cigar talk you guys shared?

He told me all about the Fuente family history, all the different factories, how the younger generation of the family is starting to join the business. He talked about some of the original cigars that Fuente made like Tampa Sweethearts. He showed me some of the historical bands he has and old ads. We talked about how my grandfather got me into cigars and Fuente in particular so we talked some about family in general and he asked about my son. We talked about some of our favorite Fuente blends. He laughed when he showed me his office where he was busy making sampler packs with all sorts of rare Opus. Apparently, my eyes got big and my jaw dropped. It was a glorious sight, glad I didn't faint.

You could tell that history and family were extremely important to him, which I appreciate. He told me about a number of small places in Ybor City to check out that were long time family businesses. So you could tell he cared about his community and supporting local business. Which I also appreciate! Obviously, it was a short time but he came across as an extremely genuine person. He must have thanked me 3-4 times for "supporting his family". I could stop buying their cigars and their bottom line wouldn't budge but for him to think to say that and be so gracious struck me. There's always that high chance that when you meet someone like that you walk away disappointed, quite the opposite. I want to go back.

[DogRockets]

A few thoughts:

A. If you were alone, who took your picture? Chase?
B. Best cigar experience of your life? Have you forgotten the Orgy? (note: I see Tony has already rightfully called you out on this above)
C. Did you ask him if he was looking for a new tax accountant?
D. Allegiant flies to Fort Wayne. Why didn't you come here?