Newton's First E-Cigarette Store Opens in Nonantum

Nonantum's newest business is Vape Daddy - a retailer of custom e-cigarettes, e-juices and other accessories.

Electronic cigarettes - also known as electronic vaping devices, allow users to get the same stimulation provided by nicotine, but without many of the other chemicals found in tobacco cigarettes. Plus, they do not emit smoke. Vape Daddy is located at 376B Watertown St. in Nonantum.

The store was started by David Bershad, a 32-year veteran of the Boston advertising business. He wanted an alternative to cigars.

“I love cigars, but after three years of smoking one-a-day, I began to feel the toll on my lungs," Bershad said. "In early 2013 I began following the e-cigarette industry and decided to give vaping a try and haven’t had a cigar in months.” 

Rather than inhaling smoke, e-cigarette users inhale nicotine along with water vapor. 

Many former smokers enjoy vaping, as it frees them of the smoke and odor of burning tobacco and the residual ash, Bershad said.

Vape Daddy sells the hardware and supplies needed for e-cigarette users. A kit includes a rechargeable battery, a charger, and a refillable clearomizer (the tank that holds the e-Juice, said Stacy Poritzky, Bershad’s business partner. 

The e-Juices, which are available in a wide range of flavors from Sweet Virginia Tobacco to Menthol to Black Cherry to Espresso, sell for around $6 for 10 ml bottle.  

After the initial investment of $50, a one-pack-per-day smoker would probably use around 2 bottles a week, which would translate into an annual expenditure of $520, Poritzky said.