According to Scott “Poppa P” Partridge, the world would be a better place if more people would invest in the short amount of time it takes to savor one of life’s longest-running rituals.
“Cigar smoking is not a habit; it’s truly and enjoyable experience,” says Partridge, the general manager of Poppa P’s Smoke Shoppe. “You don’t wake up in the morning craving a cigar, but you do crave that camaraderie with your friends.”
Since opening in February, hundreds of people each week have been indulging in the simple pleasure of kicking back with a cigar and a drink in the not-too-big, not-too-small space at 1935 Mallory Lane. “It gets full in here by mid-afternoon,” says Poppa P. “What I love about it is that the people who come here are from all walks of life. We have executives and laborers and cops. But once they have a cigar, everyone is the same. I think the world needs more of that.”
The humidor in the adjoining retail space is stocked with famous labels, boutique brands and a plethora of affordable, hand-rolled cigars in every popular size. The lounge features an impressive array of premium bourbons and beers. Between the long bar, comfy club chairs and high-tops, there’s seating inside for about 40 guests. A patio beckons more to venture outside on pleasant afternoons and evenings.
According to Poppa P, the rule of thumb is: “One drink, one cigar, one hour.” Then two. Maybe. “We’ve built a very good customer base from around the country,” he says. “People who are passing through town will come and see us and we have regulars who, if I don’t see them for a couple of weeks, I begin to worry about them. People can buy their cigars anywhere; what they appreciate is the experience.”
That experience dates back several years to when Poppa P’s operated within the confines of Cool Springs Wine & Spirits (CSWS). That business was acquired in 2019 by an ownership group that includes Del Hickman and Bret Moore. Two years ago, they approached Poppa P about opening the store in its current space behind CSWS that had been vacant for nearly a decade. “We asked Poppa P if it would hurt his business and he said, ‘Not if you put a lounge in there,’” recalls Moore.
The ownership group purchased the building last June and immediately went to work renovating the space. The differentiating features are the separation between the smoke-free retail space, and the filtration system that clears the air in the lounge. “When smoke hits the sensors, the system switches from air conditioning to 100 percent fresh air,” says Hickman. “There’s never any haze, even when everyone is smoking.”
“We get a lot of couples because it’s nice to have a place to visit and not have to sit in smoke,” says Poppa P. “It’s a cigar bar, so you want the aroma. What you don’t want is the haze.”
It’s a fine point that makes for a great experience. PoppaPs.com
"People can buy their cigars anywhere; what they appreciate is the experience.” - Poppa P