‘Memories will remain cherished’: Popular Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania cigar shop bidding farewell

[JohnS]

‘Memories will remain cherished’: Popular Lehigh Valley cigar shop bidding farewell

Caravan Cigar Company operates at 106 S. Chestnut St. in Bath. Ryan Kneller

BATH, Pa. – A beloved, family-owned and -operated cigar shop and lounge is set to close in Northampton County.

Caravan Cigar Company, at 106 S. Chestnut St. in Bath, will hold its final day of business on Dec. 28, according to an announcement made Monday on the business’ Facebook page.

The business, founded in 2017, is operated by brothers Brian and Kevin Lewis and their father, Ted “Pops” Lewis.

In the announcement, addressed to the business’ “Caravan Crew,” the owners expressed their “heartfelt gratitude” for the business’ six years.

“These years have been truly special for our family,” they wrote. “We’ve experienced our fair share of ups and downs, both in business and in life, but through it all, our unwavering focus has been on you – our cherished ‘Caravan Crew.’”

Caravan Cigar Company operates at 106 S. Chestnut St. in Bath. Ryan Kneller

Caravan Cigar Company, which has earned several local awards and accolades, carries a wide array of premium cigars, including those from collections such as 1502, ADVentura Cigars, Aganorsa Leaf, Espinosa Premium Cigars, Oveja Negra Brands and Stolen Throne Cigars.

The business also has become a popular community hub, hosting events such as holiday parties, live music performances and charity cornhole tournaments.

Over the years, the partners have also collected toy donations and raised thousands of dollars for Toys for Tots through their annual Toys for Tots Golf Tournament.

Caravan’s final events of the year include a DBL Event with Mick Grant, 4 p.m. to close Nov. 23; Oveja Negra Banger with Levi Lucas and Fast Eddie’s Birthday, 4 p.m. to close Dec. 14; and The Last Hurrah with karaoke by DJ John Cavannagh, 4 p.m. to ? Dec. 28.

The owners made the "difficult decision" to close the business after much reflection, they stated.

“One significant factor in this decision has been the invaluable commodity known as ‘time,” the announcement continues.

“Over the past six years, we have sacrificed precious moments with our families. As our children grow, engaging in sports and other activities, and as new family members join us, we find ourselves needing to prioritize our health and family commitments.”

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the online announcement had garnered more than 240 reactions and over 50 comments, primarily from customers and community members extending warm wishes to the owners.

“Sad, very sad news on this Monday morning for our Borough,” Bath Mayor Fiorella Reginelli Mirabito commented.

“While it truly saddens me to read your beautiful message, I understand completely the sacrifices made for a small business. If one doesn’t own a small business- they have no idea. All of that said - a personal and heart-felt THANK YOU from me for your dedication and commitment to our Borough, from the day you arrived. I wish all of you and your families, nothing but the best going forward. With much gratitude…”

“Wow 6 years," another person wrote. "Seems like yesterday. Thank you for letting us be a part of your family. Caravan crew lives on long past the time the doors close.”

“I wish you guys the best of luck moving forward and thank you for all the fun times at CCC!!!” another person stated.

The Lewises encourage customers who can’t make Caravan’s final events to stop in anytime during regular business hours to make a few more memories and have a few more laughs before the end of the year.

“Though we will no longer be open for business, the spirit of Caravan will endure,” the online announcement continues. “We have forged lifelong bonds over our shared passion for cigars, and those memories will remain cherished.”

Source: https://www.wfmz.com/features/eat-sip-shop/memories-will-remain-cherished-popular-lehigh-valley-cigar-shop-bidding-farewell/article_064806e8-a13f-11ef-a4a7-d796a5ee0f93.html

[MrBirdman]

Lehigh Valley is a lovely area. Sad to see another shop close, but at least it sounds like they are going out on their own terms. 

[mikejh]

Seeing this a decent amount in the US, established local businesses where the owners want to move on and don't have someone else to pass the business on to.