Whiz Biz: A Different Kind of Internet Lounge

Name:

Owner: Wayne Richards

Address: 26841 Aliso Creek Rd.

Website: cigaroasislounge.com

Phone: 949-831-3038

What’s nearby: , ,

How many employees?
3

What is a cigar lounge?
Cigar Oasis sells "hundreds of varieties" of cigars for customers to enjoy at home or in the shop. Televisions are set up in the front of the store, as well as in the lounge in the back. Leather seats with tables, dark mood lighting and free wireless Internet has turned Cigar Oasis into a different kind of internet cafe, said owner Wayne Richards.

Is Cigar Oasis a men's hangout?
Richards said the lounge definitely sees more men than women with 95 percent of their clientele male. However, that number is changing he said.

"[The female clientele] is starting to increase because of the atmosphere here," Richards said.

Customers can bring in their own bottles of wine or other alcoholic beverages to enjoy with their cigar in the lounge. Richards thinks more women are enjoying the shop because of this option.

"There is more to enjoy than just the cigars now," he said.

Beginning a cigar business?
Richards said he has been smoking cigars since the 90s. He wanted to start his own business with something that he loved.

Cigars seemed the natural choice.

How many clients does the Cigar Oasis see every day?
On a regular day, Richards said the lounge welcomes about 40 customers. The shop has monthly cigar tastings, which highlights a new cigar or a new brand. These events can see anywhere from 40 to 80 customers.

A favorite memory from the cigar biz?
Richards said he loves introducing new cigars to his customers.

"My favorite experience is when someone comes in looking in for a good cigar and I help them find one. I like when they come back and tell me that they really enjoyed it. That is the best part, helping people enjoy their experience,"
he said.