Wright Dunbar neighbors Jeff Jackson and Dallas Webster have talked about opening a cigar bar for a while and this Friday their dreams become a reality as the doors will open to Wright Dunbar Cigars on West Third Street.
Owners Dallas Webster & Jeff Jackson
We appreciate that they took some time to answer our questions and share them with you here:
Why a cigar bar?
DW: Why Not? But Seriously, our research has shown that the cigar sales growth rates are 4% to 8% over the next 5 years. But when you factor in memberships, private events, pairing events and exclusive experiences, the growth rate increases 6% to 10% over the next 5 years, leveling out at about 7% for 10 years.
JJ: I have been a cigar smoker for about 9 years now and in the culture for the last 4 or 5. This business fits, not only my interests, but my lifestyle. I have learned to understand that if you love what you do, it’s never really “work.” When I decided to leave corporate employment behind, over 15 years ago, I never wanted to “work” again, and this is the next step in that journey.
What can people expect when they visit?JJ: Our patrons and members can expect an elevated experience at Wright Dunbar Cigars. We want you to feel like you have been transported to a destination unique all in itself. Classy, comfortable, sophisticated, familiar, entertaining, and enjoyable. We welcome all cigar smokers from first timers, looking how to engage, to afficionados with a mature palette who knows what they want and expect.
DW: When people come to Wright Dunbar Cigars, they can expect a unique experience. When creating our space we collaborated with uCreative in Miamisburg Oh, to create a unique design using earth tones and natural finishes. Our General Contractor Terence Wright of Tri-Tech in Centerville Oh, extended our design with unique lighting, custom wood finishes and implementation of our concept. We have exposed brick surfaces, wood flooring, leather seating and a state of the art smoke removal system.
What does membership mean, how much and what is included?
DW: We are currently in our innaugral membership period, with memberships ranging from $1000 to $1500. Of course membership has it privileges and include – a humidor locker for cigar storage, discounts on cigars, accessories, events and private rental. We have an exclusive member VIP area on the 2nd floor with secret and private entrances. We encourage everyone to take advantage of our inagural membership drive before it ends.
JJ: Membership means everything! The best features of our lounge revolves around members benefit’s. We will certainly reward our inaugral members; those who took “the leap of faith” and made a commitment to us! They will be who we will remember, value, and honor as our business grows and thrives.
Can people rent out the space for private events?
DW: Yes, we will have a 2 tier event rental with members having reduced rental rates. Our theater room can be configured as a conference room for corporate offsite meetings.
Anything else you’d like to share?
DW: When creating our space, upon entering, we wanted our guest to say, “Am I in Dayton”. and our answer is “Yes you are”. Jeff and I have an ongoing fun debate where I say we have the best Cigar lounge in the State of Ohio… LOL. but seriously we have made a substantial investment and it’s for our members and guest. On Weekends we plan to offer valet parking, escort by staff to our cigar humidors, assistance with cigar selection, and even cutting and lighting should our customers want that.
JJ: We want people to explore something they may not have experienced here in Dayton, OH. We are very fortunate to be in an incredibly unique space, designed for a great smoking experience. We are in a historically valuable part of town that is benefiting from a surging renaissance. We want people all over the Miami Valley to experience the “big city” right here in our hometown.
1153 West 3rd Street,
Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton, OH, 45402
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 2p – 9p
Tuesday-Thursday 2p – 9p
Friday-Saturday 12p -10p
Sunday 12p-6p
