ORANGE CIGAR LOUNGE A Beautiful, Larger Space

A Beautiful, Larger Space for the Orange Cigar Lounge

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

Many local cigar aficionados are enthused about the relocation of Orange Cigar Lounge, which was previously at 278 Boston Post Road. The beautiful new and improved lounge and retail space, now located at 311 Boston Post Road which opened at the beginning of August, is an expansion and improvement of the previous concept, and is drawing customers through the door to enjoy a cigar and relax with friends.

Owner Nari Koleci was inspired to expand to better serve his customers, and created a spacious, welcoming lounge, as well as a walk-in humidor and retail area.

PRODUCTS OFFERED

Upon entering, a customer is greeted by the bright, well-stocked retail space, with all the accessories a cigar connoisseur might need, as well as pipes and different flavors of pipe tobacco for those who enjoy this traditional method of smoking. A glassenclosed humidor with walls lined of Spanish cedar sits at the back of the retail space and is filled with one of the largest selections of imported cigars in the area.

“We offer competitive pricing,” shared Koleci, who went on to explain that the shop “specializes in quality imported cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras.” Koleci continued, sharing that “There is a Connecticut connection to many of these cigars, since some have wrappers that are made from tobacco grown here in the state.” These cigars are kept in the building’s 650 square-foot walk-in humidor, easily accessed from the retail space.

A LAVISH LOUNGE

The 3,500 square foot state-of-theart lounge is open to the public, and there is no cover or entrance fee to use it to relax and enjoy a cigar. Two tiers of membership to the lounge are offered, however, one for the avid smoker and the other for the occasional smoker, with different perks available for each level. Some of these perks include a humidified locker and discounted cigars.

Patrons can enter the lounge through the glass doors from the retail space, which keeps the retail space smokefree. The lounge encompasses a bar area, as well as multiple cozy seating areas with leather furniture, and privacy screens are available to have a more private gathering area. More than 200 humidified lockers stand at the ready for customers’ use. There is a poker table for those looking to have a game night, and seven wall-mounted televisions are arranged throughout the lounge for those looking to catch a game or show.

Koleci’s attention to detail is evident even regarding the lounge’s air quality. “We have a great filtration system,” he shared. “The 16-foot ceilings help, and the air is exchanged 12-15 times per hour.”

Many customers come to the lounge not only to enjoy a cigar, but to work remotely from their computers, watch a game and socialize with likeminded people. Patrons are welcome to enjoy a soft drink from the lounge, and any alcoholic beverages

Nari Koleci (sitting) with Milly Trepcha (left) and Lou Trepcha (right) in the walk-in humidor that stocks hundreds of premium, handmade cigars.

Photo: Orange Cigar Lounge

The expansive cigar lounge with comfortable seating, gaming tables, humidified lockers, and a large bar area positioned in front of a handpainted mural of Marilyn Monroe.

are BYOB. There are special cigar events held at the lounge, and Koleci encourages all who are interested to join the mailing list through the lounge’s website.

ROOTS IN ORANGE

Koleci was enthusiastic when explaining why he chose to open in Orange 11 years ago. “My brother had a wholesale cigar business, and I wanted to work with him to get into retail and expand into premium cigars. I chose Orange because I live in town and wanted to stay very local.” He smiled and continued, “We have an excellent customer base with a lot of locals.”

Customer service is of the utmost importance to Koleci, and he goes above and beyond to meet the needs of his patrons. “Cigars are a luxury item, and our goal is to satisfy every individual before they step out. I want each person to feel comfortable using the lounge and buying from the store.” He looks forward to having a full house for televised sporting events like football season, baseball and hockey, and especially the World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday, November 20th.

Orange Cigar Lounge, 311 Boston Post Road, Orange, is open seven days per week: Monday to Thursday from 9 am-10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 12 am; and Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm. For more information, go to orangecigarlounge.com or email orange.cigar@yahoo.com. 