The aroma of tobacco greeted the author as she stepped into the Livery Cigar Emporium, accompanied by the relaxing vibe music that matched the atmosphere of the lounge with the comfy lounge couches & recliners, dim lights, wooden floors, and brick walls. Inside, co-owners Andre Thomas and Andrew Thompson sat among fellow cigar enthusiasts, playing a game of dominoes while the television replayed highlights from Game 5 of the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup finals matchup against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Nearby, patrons were surrounded by the bar and sitting on the couch, all in tune with the laid-back atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Fayetteville establishment.
The two business partners, whom I referred to as “the ATs,” have a big week ahead of them, as they prepare to celebrate the lounge’s fifth anniversary. In the previous years, they celebrated the occasion with a block party outside of the cigar lounge, located in downtown’s warehouse district. This year, however, they decided to do something different for their supporters.
The owners of Livery Cigar Emporium, laid back – playing a game of dominos with patrons; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press (EP)
“We started five years ago when we started the livery and when we were doing our anniversary. When I and Dre [Andre Thomas] talked about it. I suggested, Let’s take it up a notch,” Thompson told The Exclusive Press (EP).
“Dre came up with the idea of Cigar Week. We came together and started planning out the week, and that’s how our cigar week came about,” he added.
Cigar Week Activity Line-Ups
The ATs detail the activity lineups for their first Cigar Week, designed to celebrate the lounge’s five-year milestone. Cigar Week starts off on Sunday, June 14th, with a Legacy Brunch at 2pm at their establishment, followed by a Puff & Paint on Monday, June 15th, from 7pm to 9pm, at the Airborne Cigar Emporium at 5500 Yadkin Road in Fayetteville. The Puff & Paint is led by painter, Reddick Mack. Tuesday, June 16th will include a Karaoke & Tequila night, starting at 7pm, hosted by DJ Jackie Moon and Midnight Moon Ent. Wednesday, June 17th, is an upscale, Black Tie Livery Affair at 226 Warehouse. Social hours are from 5pm to 7pm, and the actual event starts at 7pm.
The week will continue with a golf tournament at Baywood Golf Club on Thursday, June 18th. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with play starting at 9 a.m. Later that evening at 7pm, participants can attend a cigar pairing with Drew at the lounge. On Juneteenth, they will include their cigars and sundresses from 4pm to 7pm at Ashes at Dirtbag, located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills.
The celebration concludes that weekend with the annual block party on Saturday, June 20th, at 7pm featuring a live band, two of the community’s top DJs, and performances by local artists. The finale is on Sunday, June 21st, with a farewell cookout at Airborne Cigar Emporium that starts at 3pm.
From Men Cave to Thriving Business – The Birth of Livery Cigar Emporium
According to Thompson, the original vision for Livery Cigar Emporium was to create a men cave where men can unwind away from home.
“There were other places we patronized that weren’t appreciative of our dollars. So, we started our own thing,” Thompson shared.
The ATs, who met at the previous establishment, combined their visions to create their own thing instead of investing in a place where they felt unwelcome, establishing a venue for their friends, particularly the 40 and up crowd, to unwind and enjoy themselves. Seven to eight years later, the friendship they built has evolved into a thriving business partnership.
Bright Glowing “Cigar Ember” Future
Today, their efforts are producing tangible results. Thompson said he recently received a Google notification indicating that Livery ranks as the No. 1 cigar lounge in Fayetteville. Thomas added to the business’ growing social media presence, which also attracts and introduces the brand to a broader audience while strengthening its relationships with its longtime supporters.
Since 2021, Livery Cigar Lounge has also hosted various events, including Shades of Melanin (a women empowerment gathering), sundress parties, day parties, live music performances, and community block parties.
The ATs said that it’s meaningful to be part of the city’s expanding roster of successful Black-owned businesses. Thompson mentioned that the lounge draws a diverse clientele, emphasizing that there’s always activities available for everyone. They also appreciate their growing connection with other entrepreneurs and setting an example for new entrepreneurs & those looking for a pathway to start a business.
Thomas stated that “the sky is the limit” for the two veteran businessmen. Currently, the ATs are focused on their current success and the momentum each day brings that contributes to its future.
The first five years highlight a promising future for Livery Cigar Emporium as bright as the glowing cigar ember, providing a welcoming space for loungers and cigar enthusiasts.
For more information about The Livery Cigar Emporium and Cigar Week activity line-ups and ticket information, follow them on Facebook at The Livery Cigar Emporium and on Instagram at cigaremporium_livery.
