Premium Cigar Association (PCA): Tell us about your shop.
Olin Chamberlain Sr., founding partner: Smokin’ Silverbacks Cigar Lounge opened in late 2024 and has quickly become a defining presence in Philadelphia’s elevated cigar culture. Located in the Fishtown area—one of the city’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods—Silverbacks offers more than just premium cigars. It offers an experience. Inspired by the commanding presence of the silverback gorilla, our lounge is rooted in strength, maturity and community. We created a space where sophistication meets soul—a place with substance, warmth and intention. It’s where aficionados and casual smokers alike can unwind, connect and celebrate the craft. Every visit is a celebration of taste and style.
How many brands do you carry? How do you curate your selections?
Our humidor carries more than 40 premium brands and continues to grow with purpose. We’ve built a collection that bridges heritage and discovery, featuring world-renowned names like Plasencia, My Father and Padrón, alongside boutique selections that spark curiosity. We believe the right cigar tells a story, and our role is to be thoughtful curators of that narrative. Our selections are driven by quality, consistency and the conversations they create. We listen to our clientele, stay engaged with emerging trends and collaborate closely with brand reps who understand both our vision and our audience.
What’s the best piece of advice you received from someone about your store?
“Build the kind of space you’d want to spend time in every day. The right people will find you.” That simple advice became our north star. It reminded us to lead with intention and to stay grounded in authenticity. We didn’t want to create a place that just looked good on paper. We wanted it to feel right as soon as you walk in. That mindset has guided everything from our layout and lighting to the way we greet a first-time guest.
Why join the PCA? What do you hope to get out of your PCA membership?
Joining PCA was about aligning with an organization that not only advocates for the industry but elevates it. As a new lounge, we wanted to tap into a collective that’s shaping the future of premium cigar culture. Through PCA, we gain insights, access and a network of like-minded retailers and manufacturers. It reinforces our commitment to the craft—not just as consumers of cigars, but as curators of the experience that surrounds them.
What’s your best marketing tool for promoting your business?
The most powerful marketing tool we have? Our community. Word of mouth has been invaluable—our guests don’t just visit; they advocate. Social media, particularly Instagram, amplifies that energy. We try to repost most of the content our customers tag us in—as long as it aligns with the Silverbacks vibe—because it reflects something deeper: real, lived experiences. Our Instagram page captures everything from slow-burning lounge moments to vibrant event nights. Our website serves as a digital front door—offering membership details, event updates and insight into who we are. We’ve also been fortunate to receive meaningful press coverage, such as CBS News, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philly Tribune, helping amplify our story to a wider audience.
Did you attend this year’s trade show in New Orleans? If yes, how was it for you and your business?
Yes—and it was both affirming and inspiring. Being named a finalist for Cigar Lounge of the Year was a humbling highlight for us, especially as a brand-new business. We also had the privilege of hosting PCA’s Joshua Habursky and Lisa Sigler for one of their first official “Meet and Greets,” which meant a great deal to our team. The trade show gave us new partnerships, access to fresh inventory, and—most importantly—a seat at the table with some of the industry’s most respected voices. It reminded us that we’re not just building a lounge, we’re building legacy.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 2, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.