Kevin Watkins, cigar lounge owner, co-founder of Houston Cigar Week, and lover of the leaf, has lived the cigar life for over three decades and counting. Watkins likens the sacrifice of running a cigar lounge to having a newborn baby—the love he gets in return is worth it. He talked to Cigar Life Guy about this year’s Houston event, paying homage to the pioneers of the black cigar community and the good vibes and good people that go hand in hand with a fine cigar.
Kevin Watkins’ First Premium Cigar
Cigar Life Guy: Tell me about your first premium cigar experience.
Kevin Watkins: On New Year’s Eve 1993, some friends and I celebrated having a terrific year and rented a limo to go club hopping all over Philadelphia. We dressed to the T. We loved watching mobster movies and wanted to be like them.
Cigar Lounge High and Lows
Cigar Life Guy: You own several cigar lounges. What are the best and worst aspects of running a cigar lounge?
Kevin Watkins: The worst thing is sacrificing most of your time for your businesses. It’s like marrying your business. It’s like having a newborn, mainly when you are used to traveling and spending time with your family and friends. The best thing is all the love you receive. The smiles, conversations, networking, meeting people from all walks of life, and knowing that you probably would have never met if it weren’t for the love of the leaf.
Cigar Life Guy: What do you wish every cigar patron knew before entering your doors?
Kevin Watkins: I wish all patrons knew that cigar etiquette is necessary for cigar lounges to survive. I have seen many cigar lounges close their doors because people like to hang out and not patronize. They have no consideration for the other guests in the lounge.
Cigar Life Guy: You appreciate the experience of a fine cigar. What makes for a great experience, and what makes the cigar community unique?
Kevin Watkins: Who surrounds you? There is nothing like great people, drinks, food, and conversations to enjoy with a great cigar. Most cigar lovers have good vibes, which attracts people to us.
Growing Houston Cigar Week
Cigar Life Guy: Tell us about Houston Cigar Week. How did you get involved?
Kevin Watkins: I got involved in Houston Cigar Week because the city of Houston is a great place for cigar smokers to enjoy what we bring to the table, such as 24-hour access, BYOB lounges, and low tobacco taxes. The city itself has great restaurants and entertainment, which we try to showcase.
Cigar Life Guy: What are you most excited about for this year’s event?
Kevin Watkins: I am excited about the growth. It shows that people appreciate what you’re bringing to the table. These days, it feels good to separate and stand out from cultural vultures.
Kevin’s Most Memorable Event
Cigar Life Guy: Tell us about your most memorable event and what goes into making a great cigar event.
Kevin Watkins: What I most remember is the first year. There was so much going on. The challenges were endless. And we were able to get through it and pull it off. Neither Covid nor anything else was able to get in the way. What makes it so unique is our group’s harmony to put what is essential first and not sweat the small stuff.
Cigar Life Guy: Have we missed anything? Please tell us anything else you’d like the cigar world to know.
Kevin Watkins: I would like people to know that many people have inspired me to do what I do. So, I always pay homage to the pioneers in the movement for black cigar smokers. I also feel the newer cigar smokers don’t understand what we must do to have a voice. Keep shining on everyone and do things right and for the right reasons.
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Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy