This past Friday marked the first anniversary of Omar Ali and Dee Shira’s Niagara Cigars.
The store at 2448 Military Road in Niagara Falls features nine standing humidors and a walk-in humidor featuring popular cigar brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, Rocky Patel, and Padron. Most of them are made in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua, Ali added that they also will take customer requests if they do not have a particular brand.
Other cigar accessories like lighters and travel-size humidors are also available.
When Ali and Shira first opened the store, neither had experience in smoke shops, with the only other place in Niagara County to buy cigars being Smokin Joes in Sanborn. With new stores popping up across Western New York, he wanted to do something different.
“Why not put something here for Canadian customers or the locals to come and enjoy a cigar?” Ali said.
A smoking lounge in the store’s back features a 75-inch TV, 10 massage chairs, and a fireplace that can be rented out for parties. The store does not have a membership because it is still new.
“As long as you buy sticks from us, you’re welcome to indulge here,” Shira said.
Niagara Cigars is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.