Tampa Sweethearts

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09-18-2019, 03:48 PM
jhedrick83

Tampa Sweethearts

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....

https://i.postimg.cc/vZqzcRJZ/6536FC...8F71458692.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/x1T5fjFZ/36EB6E...5347E84966.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/c4cTGtTY/0B8A9B...E3A5ECE3A6.jpg
09-18-2019, 03:54 PM
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.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
09-18-2019, 04:02 PM
Kidvegas

Very cool bro!

Sent from The Cauldron Of Insanity
09-18-2019, 04:22 PM
CentralTimeSmoke

Very nice. The pilgrimage!
09-18-2019, 11:33 PM
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.
09-19-2019, 08:04 AM
SoCal gunner

Wow, that's pretty cool!

What's some of the cigar talk you guys shared?
09-19-2019, 08:11 AM
Brimy

That's really cool Jesse!!

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
09-19-2019, 08:43 AM
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.
09-19-2019, 11:14 AM
jhedrick83

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal gunner

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.
09-19-2019, 11:34 AM
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?
09-19-2019, 12:01 PM
jhedrick83

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

A. I was not alone, I had a lady accompanying me. Actual biological woman not hired by Mark. :rofl:
B. The thing is you go into the Orgy knowing it will be a great time. I went to Tampa Sweethearts hoping to find rare Fuentes and not at all expecting to meet Arturo Jr much less spend time like that with him. Kind of like the surprise reveal with Chance.
C. I did mention to him that I knew of a top notch accountant if he needed one. He asked what this accountant of mine smokes and I told him Gurkhas and Bahias. He laughed and laughed. I don't think you'd get the gig.
D. I didn't know that. Unfortunately, not direct from Knoxville. I only had 4 days and didn't want to spend it all in an airport.
E. I'll have to tell Collin I got some special Opus for him next year at the Orgy. Assuming he's not off to Ibiza with his wife and rabbit or some crap like that.

Also, here's the website if anyone wants to check it out:
https://www.tampasweethearts.com/
09-19-2019, 12:55 PM
cheaphumidors

Woa woa woa... you came to Tampa and didn't come see me?!
09-19-2019, 12:57 PM
FidelCastro

Having gone to college in Tampa in the early 70's going to Ybor City every weekend was a way of life. Cigars,,,, cigars,,,, cigars.... it was and still is Heaven. I'm a AF fan as it is but just to to bump into the family and talk shop is a treat. S. Florida and Miami is another great Cigar Adventure.... having lived in the area weekends were all about riding my cruiser and visiting Cigar shops... or taking the weekdays to get down to the Keys for a few days and visit all the BM's and rollers... pick up some freshly rolled cigars... miss those days.
09-19-2019, 01:04 PM
jhedrick83

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheaphumidors

Woa woa woa... you came to Tampa and didn't come see me?!

Ohh, I should have... I'm sorry. :spankme: Between a killer mieal at Columbia, meeting Arturo Jr, walking around Ybor city and time at Coppertail and Cigar City breweries, time in Tampa went fast. I was staying in Clearwater.
09-19-2019, 02:15 PM
Old Smokey

Jesse, from one Fuente fanboy to another, I am jealous. I can only imagine experiencing how it all played out. I was excited when I called TampaSweethearts once and Carlito answered the phone.

Did you kiss his ring?
09-19-2019, 08:27 PM
Emperor Zurg

I can't believe you were at Tampa Sweethearts and didn't bring me a box of Añejos. Whatsamatta for you?
09-20-2019, 06:01 AM
cheaphumidors

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhedrick83

Ohh, I should have... I'm sorry. :spankme: Between a killer mieal at Columbia, meeting Arturo Jr, walking around Ybor city and time at Coppertail and Cigar City breweries, time in Tampa went fast. I was staying in Clearwater.

I suppose you are forgiven :) I was just at Coppertail on Tuesday, the office staff had lunch over there.
09-20-2019, 06:09 AM
penna stogey

Noice Jesse, simply Noice...Glad you enjoyed your time in Tampa (without Queen Kayla) and smoked one of my favorites cigar lines...Thanks for representing the Bums....Chin high, chest out!!Salute!
09-20-2019, 06:55 AM
penna stogey

Noice Jesse, simply Noice...Glad you enjoyed your time in Tampa (without Queen Kayla) and smoked one of my favorites cigar lines...Thanks for representing the Bums....Chin high, chest out!!Salute!
09-20-2019, 12:53 PM
jhedrick83

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheaphumidors

I suppose you are forgiven :) I was just at Coppertail on Tuesday, the office staff had lunch over there.

I don't know if you have done the Cigar City tour but it was disappointing to me. Didn't really get to see much. At least the beer was good!
09-23-2019, 11:45 AM
cheaphumidors

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhedrick83

I don't know if you have done the Cigar City tour but it was disappointing to me. Didn't really get to see much. At least the beer was good!

Nope, sure haven't. I just wander
09-23-2019, 01:52 PM
dinoa2

just wondering--- years ago Fuente had their shop in part of their old factory, think that is what it was. Then they moved to a little store shop a few blocks from there and maybe 6 years ago there was talk about them opening a lounge somewhere in Ybor. Never heard any more about that , are they still in the little store?
09-24-2019, 09:24 AM
jhedrick83

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinoa2

just wondering--- years ago Fuente had their shop in part of their old factory, think that is what it was. Then they moved to a little store shop a few blocks from there and maybe 6 years ago there was talk about them opening a lounge somewhere in Ybor. Never heard any more about that , are they still in the little store?

From what I was told, that was the only retail store and the old factory was converted to corporate offices and shipping and receiving.
09-24-2019, 09:58 AM
rodwha

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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....

https://i.postimg.cc/vZqzcRJZ/6536FC...8F71458692.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/x1T5fjFZ/36EB6E...5347E84966.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/c4cTGtTY/0B8A9B...E3A5ECE3A6.jpg

That is just way too cool! I’m really glad your unwinding moment turned into an awesome experience and memory!
09-27-2019, 05:18 PM
droy1958

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhedrick83

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.

Too friggin' cool....