The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announces the finalists for the second annual Best of the Leaf Awards. The PCA Best of the Leaf Awards are designed to showcase the premium retail tobacconist industry across the country.
In December 2024, retail members of PCA were invited to nominate their stores for this award. In total, 38 stores were nominated and judged by a panel of industry experts on the criteria of each retail outlet’s aesthetics, merchandising, humidor selection/presentation, and customer service. Retailers had to submit videos and photos of their stores, bars, and lounges, and a written summary explaining why their store deserves to win a PCA Best of the Leaf Award.
“The enthusiasm for the PCA Best of the Leaf Awards continues to grow, and what stands out most is the exceptional quality of submissions we received this year. Retailers are setting new standards in aesthetics, merchandising, and consumer experience, making the competition more competitive. It is inspiring to see the passion and dedication of our members. We look forward to seeing even more participation in years to come,” commented Maria Cervantes, membership and programs manager at PCA.
Joshua Habursky, executive director of the PCA, added, “It is important to recognize exemplary retailers through the Best of the Leaf awards and to promote and encourage excellence in our industry. This year’s nominees have attributes that their peers can adapt to their own businesses and new members can learn from as they enter the market.”
The finalists for this year’s PCA Best of the Leaf Awards are as follows:
Category: Cigar Bar
- Robusto’s Cigar Bar and Bistro (Sterling Heights, MI)
- The Cigar Vault (Pacific, MO)
- Charles P. Stanley Cigar Lounge (Saint Louis, MO)
- LIT Cigar Lounge St. Louis (Chesterfield, MO)
- Fedora Cigar and Wine Bar (Punta Gorda, FL)
- Cutter’s Cigars and Spirits (Alpharetta, GA)
- Fox Cigar Bar (Gilbert, AZ)
- Pivat Cigar Lounge (Rancho Mirage, CA)
- Sturman’s Eagle (Eagle, ID)
- Thomas Hinds Sampling Room and Tobacconist (Manitoba, Canada)
Category: Cigar Lounge
- Creekside Cigar Co. (Maineville, OH)
- Hutch Humidor (Hutchinson, KS)
- Tobacco Grove (Grove, MN)
- Oscar’s Cigar & Sports Lounge (Palmyra, PA)
- Smokin’ Silverbacks (Philadelphia, PA)
- Smokey Bear Cigars & Café (Blue Ridge, GA)
- Open Door Cigars (Fayetteville, AR)
- Legends 32 Cigar Lounge (Ruston, LA)
- Joseph’s Coffee and Cigars (Richmond, TX)
- Finck Cigars Stone Oak (San Antonio, TX)
- Scenic City Cigars & Social (Chattanooga, TN)
- Stanley Pappas (Englewood, CO)
- Cigar Mas Fino Bakersfield (Bakersfield, CA)
Category: Cigar Shop Only
- Neptune Cigar (Miami, FL)
- The Leaf Master Trading (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
You can place your vote for the 2025 PCA Best of the Leaf Awards at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCA_BOTL_Awards. Voting ends on March 6, 2025, at 11:00 PM EST.