Don't let the name fool you -- even though it's called the Scottsdale Cigar Club, everyone's a member.
The creation of Brad Berko, who has been in the wholesale cigar business for over twelve years with BB Smokes, SCC opened as a retail store and lounge just over a year ago, in May 2009.
"I'm trying to create a cigar store that I would love to come to and be a member of," Berko said. "It doesn't matter what your background is - everyone is in here to enjoy a cigar, plain and simple, and we want to make it very comfortable and enticing."
Indeed, the Scottsdale Cigar Club is a very comfortable place to relax with a fine cigar. Four 50-inch television screen dominate one of the walls, with a number of comfortable leather chairs and couches throughout the lounge area. There's also a good sized table where a card game can often be found or a spirited conversation between cigar enthusiasts.
As for what kinds of cigars the Scottsdale Cigar Club carries, Berko notes that he has "cigars that cater to everyone's palates as well as their pocketbooks." Indeed - they have cigars ranging from $3 to $30 and cover the majority of major manufacturers. While the humidor might not be the most notable in the Valley, there are plenty of choices to pick from, and almost any cigar enthusiast from newbie to aficionado should be able to find something to enjoy.
An avid golfer and supporter of the southwest section of the PGA, Berko has also installed a two-hole putting green in the front of his store if you feel like getting some work in on your short game while enjoy a stogie.
The Scottsdale Cigar Club also serves as the home of the Best Damn Cigar Show, which is heard every Sunday from 12 noon - 1 pm on KFNN 1510 AM in Phoenix. The show also recently celebrated its one year anniversary, and gives Berko a chance to showcase not just his own cigar store, but others throughout the Valley, as well as cigar celebrities and people who contribute to the cigar lifestyle.
Having just marked the store's one year anniversary, Berko is already working on an expansion that will add approximately 1,000 square feet and come with more seating areas and options, as well as six new plasma screen televisions, expanded retail space that will allow Berko to add another 300 cigar selections, and 50 lockers that are available for rent. Currently, the Scottsdale Cigar Club offers humidified locker rentals with two sizes available.
The expansion will likely prove to be a valuable tool in bringing more people to the store. Located in an area densely packed with cigar stores, including Cigar King, 21 Degrees, Oggie's Cigars, Churchill's Fine Cigars and Scottsdale Cigars, as well as Stag Tobacconist and Ambassador Fine Cigars just a short drive away, Berko clearly has his work cut out from him in order to stand out from his competition. However, if he continues on the vibe of comfort and camaraderie that seems to be in place at Scottsdale Cigar Club, he should have no problem in the near future.
The Scottsdale Cigar Club is located in the Scottsdale airpark area, at 14525 N. 79th St., Suite H in Scottsdale. You can reach them at 480-946-7833. They are open seven days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am - 11 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 9 pm; and Friday through Sunday from 10 am - 7 pm.
Stay up to date on what's happening with cigars in and around Phoenix by following Patrick on Twitter - @PHXCigarGuy - or by subscribing to the column via e-mail or adding it to your RSS reader. You can also read more from Patrick at the Phoenix Cigar Examiner column and at the National Cigar Examiner column.
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