2019 PCA Magazine

32 PCA The Magazin e | JULY-AUGUST 2019 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG for the visually stunning Lord Puffer Tobacconist. The 6,000-square- foot retail store features a luxurious private lounge, accessible on a daily basis for a nominal fee, and an outside veranda with a vista of the scenic surroundings. The well-lit interior space, which is humidified throughout the store, is artfully decorated in wood and brick, and is notable for its brand selection and depth of inventory. Events in the store are lavish, standing-room-only affairs, with bounteous food and drink, free goods and specials on cigars, and visits from luminaries such as Carlito Fuente. Lounge owner Angela Yue and her silent partner are responsible for the design and décor, and have been known to construct their own display units. “My partner and I are both very hands-on people,” says Yue. “Any given day we are building something in our carpentry workshop, located in the back of our store.” The partners are experienced, serial entrepreneurs as well, with a combined 30 years in the industry, including farming tobacco for three years and establishing a number of retail outlets. Yue notes they’ve been responsible for opening five premiumcigar lounges. So it comes as no surprise that after a year and a half successfully Top left: Location of the soon-to-be second Lord Puffer Tobacconist location, in Tampa, Florida. Co-owner Angela Yue and her silent partner are renovating an old church. Top right: Lounge and bar area of the La Aroma de Havana in Pismo Beach, California, owned by Sam Atalah and Moises Medina. La Aroma is their second location as partners. Bottom right and left: Interior of the Lord Puffer Tobacconist store in Escondido, California. T H E N E X T S T E P