Big Stick Cigar Lounge opens with full bar in Mandan, North Dakota

[JohnS]

Big Stick Cigar Lounge opens with full bar in Mandan, North Dakota

 

By Emmeline Ivy - Published: Aug. 23, 2024

Josette Dupree, co-owner of Big Stick Cigar Lounge in Mandan, smoking a cigar in her new business

MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR) - The state recently legalized cigar lounges, and entrepreneurs like Josette Dupree are already making their mark on the industry.

Delayne Dvorak and the boys have found their new hangout.

“It’s a great place to come, and I enjoy a cigar and have a conversation with your friends. It’s just a great place because you can sit and you won’t get ridiculed for smoking,” said Big Stick Cigar Lounge customer Delayne Dvorak.

But they’re going to have to make way for one of the owners of Big Stick Cigar Lounge, Josette Dupree.

“When gentlemen come in and they see me smoking a cigar, they’re taken aback that, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re smoking a cigar.’ And I say, ‘Yeah. I also own the lounge,’ and it just makes their heads spin a little bit,” said Dupree.

The serial entrepreneur is taking on the male-dominated field as a pioneer.

“For the last three legislative sessions, I’ve been working with some great representatives to get a century code specifically providing for lounges,” said Dupree.

That work paid off. Dupree’s new spot features a fully-stocked humidor, a lounge area and a bar— thanks to the approval of the Mandan City Commission.

But as a first of its kind, Dupree said she had to secure additional certifications, city approvals, full compliance, and additional air filters. She also said the lounge is for cigars only— no cigarette smoking or vaping allowed.

If the boxes of cigars lining the walls and the top shelf liquor don’t catch your eye, the period decor just might.

“In, I believe it was 1903, Teddy Roosevelt spoke to the citizens of Mandan. And I was thinking, ‘Well, if Teddy walked into my business right now, what would he say? He’d look around and say, “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” Big Stick Cigars,’” Dupree said.

Dupree plans to expand by adding a smoking lounge in the basement and another outside on the roof.

It’s located at 104 2nd Ave NW.

The Lounge is partnering with Cigars for Warriors, a charity that sends cigars to U.S. Troops serving in active combat zones.

During September, anyone who purchases a cigar for the charity or donates to shipping costs will receive a free pint of beer.

Source: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2024/08/22/big-stick-cigar-lounge-opens-with-full-bar-mandan/