Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Buhman.
Larry, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started smoking cigars in 1994. There were no local shops that provided space for the customer to smoke so I would smoke in my back yard. I realized that the stores were missing out on the social aspect of cigar smoking and I decided I could build a better mouse trap. I opened The Smoke Ring in 1995 with a small lounge featuring leather chairs and big screen TV. As time went on, I added more chairs as the clientele grew. The humidor was 310 square feet at that time. After 18 years, the business had grown so that the existing physical space was no longer adequate for the amount of customers coming in. In 2013 we moved to a new location in the same strip center doubling the square footage of the store. The humidor went from 310 to 1000 square feet. Many chairs and TVs were also added.
The Smoke Ring has always provided premium cigars from smaller family owned factories who are usually on the cutting edge of what is new and exciting in the cigar world. I have been to over thirty cigar factories and the family owned factories always take more time and effort to cure and age the tobacco they use. The family owned brands are called “boutique brands”. The Smoke Ring carries more boutique brands than other stores in order to provide cigar smokers with a greater choice for a memorable smoking experience.
The Smoke Ring staff is made up of educated cigar smokers who know the product and can help a cigar novice or experienced smoker find the perfect smoke to fit their needs. Customer service is a foundational factor at the store and we are happy to assist our customers and answer any questions
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The store has had consistent growth through the years and as far as typical business development there has not been any real struggles. The cigar industry as a whole is experiencing a lot of uncertainty now due to FDA regulation that many feel is beyond the FDA’s scope and mandate. That is being addressed in a number of ways by the industry associations and manufacturers and hopefully the looming problem can be handled in a way that still allows adults to enjoy a legal product in a manner in which they are accustomed.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Smoke Ring – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Smoke Ring is a tobacconist store that carries premium cigars, cigar accessories, humidors, lighters and cutters as well as pipes, pipe accessories and pipe tobacco. A large lounge area with comfortable leather chairs and big screen TVs is provided for customer use. Glassware and ice are available to those who wish to BYOB. Lockers are for rent for those who wish to store their cigars and bottles at the store. There is lively conversation and camaraderie as well as a relaxing environment for those who wish to chill.
The Smoke Ring has always focused on the smaller brand family owned cigar manufacturer. These companies provided exceptional quality and superior products. We also carry some of the larger companies who have been around for decades and are always a cornerstone of a good shop.
Knowledgeable, friendly and courteous staff are a bedrock of the store. Novice smokers can feel at ease asking basic questions and know them with get a smoke that fulfills their needs. Experienced smokers can learn of a brand they might not have tried before and maybe end up with a new favorite.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Future plans are to keep building upon the success we have had and we are looking forward to our 25th anniversary.
Contact Info:
- Address: 17066 Highway 3
Webster, Texas 77598 - Website: smokeringcigars.com
- Phone: 281-332-9871
- Email: smokering21@hotmail.com
- Instagram: thesmokeringcl
- Facebook: The Smoke Ring-Webster
- Twitter: thesmokeringcl
- Yelp: The Smoke Ring
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
