Jan 21, 2009

New cigar shop counts on diverse offerings to create nicheBy Suzanne Normand BlackwoodTennessean.com

Franklin, TN — As laughter and smoke filled the room, the sweet aroma of cigars hung in the air.

Strangers became friends as conversation topics drifted from the economy to the love of cigars.

The occasion was a cigar tasting hosted by Old Havana Smoke Shop, which opened recently at the corner of Carothers Parkway and Shingle Way.

Eddie Benham, who opened the shop so he could have a business close to his Brentwood home, carries popular and “boutique” cigars, 150 different kinds of pipes and imported cigarettes — but the store goes far beyond just smokes to encompass pretty much anything manly.

There are gift items for men ranging from Italian-made walking sticks and shoehorns to shaving kits, soaps and creams and even straight razors. Swiss Army knives and pocketknives are also available, including the French-made Laguiole.

“These are very rare; you don’t see them much,” said Benham, who is part Greek and part Lebanese. “They call them the ‘gentleman’s knife.’ “

But, said Benham, he caters to the ladies, too.

“We encourage women to come in and drink and smoke with the guys,” he said.

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