Cigar Shop Slated To Open In Brightwaters Commons

BRIGHTWATERS, NY — A new cigar shop is coming to Brightwaters. Owner Chris Carrillo is opening the South Shore Cigar Club alongside his partner Evan Stogianos next month at the Brightwaters Commons on 344 North Windsor Avenue. The business will be opening as the shopping center completes renovations this fall.

The 34-year-old business owner says that the coronavirus pandemic has affected the opening of his shop, but added he has spent much effort "ensuring we open properly and safely for our patrons."

Carillo told Patch he Evan Stogianos wanted to open the cigar shop because of their passion for cigars and love for the community.

He describes the shop as a small-town cigar lounge where locals can buy cigars or just spend some time to unwind and relax.

"Our business is an establishment where you can come smoke a cigar, watch a sporting event or play a game of pool," he told Patch. "It's a place where you can leave your stresses of everyday life at the door and enjoy the company of people who also enjoy cigars."

He also mentioned how the two love the Brighwaters community, which is close to Carrillo's hometown of Bay Shore.

"We love the local neighboring businesses. Brightwaters is a fantastic town and we love the feel. It just needed something diverse like a cigar lounge/retail store," he told Patch. "The village has a nostalgic small town feel. The local business owners have been extremely kind and welcoming. It is just a fantastic community and we cannot be more grateful to be apart of it."

Carillo says the duo are looking forward to open by October, while following the proper guidelines amid the coronavirus.

"We know that the standard of cleanliness and safety has been raised and we are ready to meet that standard," he said. "Its our goal to provide amazing cigars as well well amazing service to anyone who enters our business."

All photos courtesy of Chris Carrillo