At the PCA 2024 Trade Show, the association announced the winners of the inaugural PCA Best of the Leaf Awards. The award program is designed to showcase the premium retail tobacconist industry across the United States. The awards, first announced at the end of 2023, launched with a nomination period that was open to all PCA retail members. By the end of December 2023, more than 60 stores had submitted applications for consideration.
The PCA assembled a panel of retailers and industry experts to serve as judges who reviewed all of the submissions and settled on 24 finalists. Each finalist was judged on their store’s aesthetics, merchandising, humidor selection/presentation and customer service.
To help with the judging process, finalists submitted photos, videos and written descriptions that helped describe and show why their store, bar, and/or lounge was worthy of an award. The finalists, and ultimately the winners, were those retailers that took the time to create, shoot and submit creative videos and photos that enabled the judging panel to see and grade each retail outlet on the four areas of good retailing.
Recognizing the importance of the customers to tobacco retail, consumers were able to cast their votes for their favorite retailer during a two-week phase in February 2024. Winners were chosen after a tally of the votes from the judging panel and votes earned from consumers.
“The PCA is proud to recognize so many in our industry who put forth a great deal of extra time, energy, and money to move our industry forward,” said Scott Pearce, former PCA executive director. “Whether by curating a phenomenal shop, lounge, or bar experience or putting in hours of work to advocate for specialty tobacco retailing, all award recipients showcase some of the best of our industry.
“Not only did we have retailers from all over the U.S., and even some from overseas, submit applications, but to have more than 10,000 consumer votes come in is a powerful testament to the importance of our retailers and the bond they have with their customers.”
This year’s PCA Best of the Leaf Award recipients are:
Cigar Shop Only
Norwood Royal Cigars
(Chicago, Illinois)
“I’m so glad that we were nominated by the biggest organization in the cigar industry. And to win the best cigar shop category, it’s like a cherry on the cake. So, for this win, it means a lot to me and my staff. We take pride in taking care of our loyal customers and finding them that perfect cigar. We’ve been in business for 20-plus years, and to get recognized by the PCA is just so precious.”
– Vick Shah
Cigar Lounge
Midwest: Diebel’s Sportsmens Gallery (Kansas City, Missouri)
“I’m truly honored and humbled by this recognition. At Diebel’s, we’re dedicated to excellence, and being acknowledged by our industry is incredibly motivating.”
– Curt Diebel
Northeast: The Tobacco Shop (Ridgewood, New Jersey)
“Being in business for 45 years and always striving to be the best that we can be, it is quite an honor to be recognized by our industry. We have always listened to our customers and re-invented ourselves as market conditions changed. Being associated with PCA members representing our industry lets us educate government officials on tobacco issues, which helps all of us continue toward a bright future. We will always work to protect our industry so that our customers may continue to savor cigars and have the freedom to enjoy smoking in our lounges!”
– Gary Kolesaire
South: Industrial Cigar Co.
(Frisco, Texas)
“For us, winning this award is huge. It is a victory we share with our ICC [Industrial Cigar Company] family—people who have helped create the fabric of this culture and our team who puts in the work to ensure our members and guests have a place they are proud to call home. It is validation that our efforts are moving us in the direction we ultimately want to achieve—to provide the finest cigar experience to people of all levels.”
– Brandon Frakes
West: Cigar Mas Fino
(Fresno, California)
“My partners and I are honored to be the recipient of the Best of the Leaf award for Cigar Mas Fino. The sense of pride and acknowledgment we feel makes all the hard work justified. Recognition from the PCA has been a great marketing opportunity for us and we are having a big event celebrating our customers and our mutual accomplishment in this award!”
– Chris Mortensen
Cigar Bar
Midwest: Final Third Cigar & Whiskey Lounge (Ingalls, Indiana)
“Two years ago we set out to create a culture of community around two industries we love: cigars and whiskey. We partnered with Aladino as Indiana’s Exclusive Aladino Cigar Lounge because we felt the Eiroa family, as well as the Aladino team, shared the same mentality of family and community as we do.
“At PCA, when our name was called, our whole table jumped, hugs were exchanged, and tears flowed! You couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces all evening!
“We are truly honored to have been given this prestigious award as recognition of the culture we and our clientele have created, focusing on friendship and community while enjoying great cigars and libations.”
– Rob Boyland
South: Cigarz on the Avenue (Winter Park, Florida)
“In winning the inaugural PCA Best of the Leaf Award for Best Cigar Bar, we are not only thrilled but profoundly honored. This coveted recognition signifies a culmination of our dedication to providing unparalleled experiences for our patrons for more than 30 years. This award holds immense significance for our business, validating our efforts and inspiring us to continually raise the bar in delivering exceptional service and ambiance to our cherished clientele.”
– Don Patel
West: Fox Cigar Bar
(Scottsdale, Arizona)
“It’s an honor to win the inaugural Best of the Leaf award. It’s always cool to be the first and to be acknowledged not just by the industry but our peers and customers. It was neat to see all the other winning stores congratulating each other.
“We need to continue with this award moving forward. I think it’s great for our industry. Let’s keep it going, and, again, congratulations to every winner at this year’s ceremony.”
– Mitchell Fox
– Photography by Arielle Lewis Studios.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 2, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.