Cigar lounge hopes to open soon in Chapin, now selling out of Irmo coffee shop

By Natalie Szrajer
Posted 1/25/23

Retired U.S. Army Veteran Chris Montali simply wanted a place to smoke cigars and hang out closer to home.

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Cigar lounge hopes to open soon in Chapin, now selling out of Irmo coffee shop

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Retired U.S. Army Veteran Chris Montali simply wanted a place to smoke cigars and hang out closer to home. Rather than traveling to Newberry, downtown Lexington or even Columbia, he figured why not open up something in Chapin.

“I like smoking [cigars] so why not,” Montali states. “Why go spend money [somewhere else] when I can open something here?”

When Montali retired from the Army after 20 years, he and his family decided to stay in South Carolina and settled down in the Chapin community. Prior to deciding to open up a cigar lounge, Montali sold cigars out of Tribal Coffee in Irmo, where they’re still sold.

His forthcoming cigar lounge will be at 103 Clark Street, which was previously an antiques store. The historic building built in 1901 sets the vibe Montali is looking to create for his social lounge. While there are ordinances and agreements to work out with the Town of Chapin, he said he’s looking forward to bringing the business to town.

Since Montali’s wife, Alexia, posted on Facebook about Maverick’s Cigars, there’s been a lot of interest, he said, adding that the clientele seeking his cigars at Tribal has steadily grown.

Montali said he spent more than a year looking for a building. In addition to the historical aspect, he said his shop’s prospective home has the  “essence of an old saloon or card home.”

The social lounge will offer cigar smokers a chance to hang out and lockers for humidors, available as a benefit to members. 

Montali said he and his business partner, Gabriel Penfield, want people to relax and hang out. They want to have live music, with Montali hinting at a couple, though nothing has been set in stone.

He said he wants to offer a chance to  “spend time – about an hour – away from the real world,” Montali said, adding that it takes 40 minutes or so to smoke a cigar.

The cost of his cigars can range from less than $10 to the $40 range, he said, explaining there will also be variety bags with about five to six cigars and a humidor. 

The shop also plans to offer craft beer and wine in addition to non-alcoholic options. While food won’t be served, there are restaurants close by, Montali sayid. 

Another business looking to establish itself in Chapin, within walkable distance to Maverick’s, is an axe throwing spot on Chapin Road, which is also under the ownership of Penfield, Montai’s business partner.

Updates about Maverick’s Cigars can be found on the business’ Facebook page.

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