New Business: Smoke and Oak Cigars sets soft launch
The crew of Smoke and Oak prepares for a soft launch. {Willie Edwards/Davidson Local}
“It was all a dream.” From smoked craft cocktails to fiery high-end sticks, Courtney Crowson of Smoke and Oak had a crafty vision for Lexington’s primer cigar lounge. He began with a nod to the inclusivity of cigar culture, Crowson said, “Our team is committed to providing great customer service to everyone coming in so they are all treated as VIPs.” Crowson has conversational pieces through out the lounge ranging from sports, music and local history.
Courtney and wife, April, have big plans for the small venue on 127 West Center St. Like the iconic song says, “It was all a dream,” Crowson talked about his passion for cigars. “I was introduced to premium cigars around four years ago by my best friend from high school. We vacation every year together at the beach and I knew he was an avid runner and athlete. He had been smoking for years and I asked him if it affected his workouts because I enjoy working out and he said you don’t inhale them. I tried one and enjoyed the flavor profiles.”
Smoke and Oak CEO Courtney Crowson {Willie Edwards/Davidson Local}
Smoke and Oak aromas are supported by state-of-the-art ventilation, eclectic décor, comfy indoor/outdoor seating, HDTVs, a sporty sunroom, games, and a Gatsby style bar notes of tasty whiskey and bourbon pairings.
The name was derived as the cofounder of Advocate Family Law in Lexington met with other law firm owners every other month to brainstorm pertinent matters. “We all were throwing out different names during one of these sessions and the name popped into my head and we all felt like it was perfect. The idea of the lounge was born when the Smoke and Oak’s leadership team was meeting and enjoying cigars,” said Crowson. “We all felt that Lexington needed a high-end, elegant place to relax. My vision was to create an atmosphere where people can enjoy a cigar or bourbon in a classy place while they conduct business or just want to meet with friends.” Upstairs will soon be unveiled as “The Crow’s Nest” in homage to the Crowson family.
The aspiration took a little time to develop. “I developed my business plan over a year ago. It was my goal to bring to Lexington a place that creates a sense of community. Having a background in ministry, I felt that this would be a tremendous opportunity to reach out to people and get to know them. They will be able to read, watch a game, play chess or fellowship with friends in a classy environment similar to lounges you may find in larger cities.”
Crowson found his way back to the cigar world three years ago. “The history of premium, pure cigars is quite intriguing. There is a stigma around smoking due to additives to cigarettes and most recently vaping that I believe also carries over to cigars,” Courtney opined. “There is a vast difference in a twenty-dollar, 100 percent pure, all-tobacco cigar as opposed to products you would find in a convenience store. I am grateful we have a cigar expert on staff who is knowledgeable in the history as well as bringing in an appreciation to help people who may not have a clue about premium cigars.”
As the team at Smoke and Oak prepared for its grand opening, Crowson noted that outdoor space, purified air and beverage pairings will recruit any cigar aficionado. “Every entrepreneur knows that business is not about the how but about the who. I have been blessed to be surrounded by a whiskey guru and operations manager [Randy Blevins]. I am also thankful for a cigar aficionado [Brandon Lineberry], marketing extraordinaire [Julie Harshaw] and member support specialist [Tori Eller].”
Stay connected on social media for opening details.
