By Anthony Rifilato
As the money and stubs accumulated, so to did the customers, as over 40 patrons sat with a variety of cigars inside the store's lounge, complete with plush black leather couches, arm chairs and glass tables.
"Everyone say's that it's a nice place with a nice atmosphere, especially when the weather is bad," said Fox on a rainy Friday evening.
Last week, F and J held a special apple martini and cigar night, one of many events they plan on having in and out of the store, including a golf outing which is presently in the works. Last week's event---in which customers who purchased a certain number of cigars received a free martini--was held for a number of reasons. Part welcoming party for Fox, part Father's Day sale, and, well, partly an excuse to get together and smoke cigars with friends, the event looked like something straight out of Cigar Aficionado magazine.
"It's one of the best things to happen to the neighborhood," said Baldwin resident Keith Wiggins, who was smoking a Macanudo with his father-in-law, Freeport resident and F and J regular Billy Wright, who was smoking a J.D. "They should do this once or twice a month."
For the guys at F and J, the cigar and martini night is the realization
of a dream. What literally began as an idea inside Melo and Saez's garages in order to spare their wives from clouds of cigar smoke in the house, their idea of opening a cigar lounge has turned into something of a niche market here in Nassau County, especially as cigar lovers seek alternatives to the county's smoking ban, which took effect in March, and the state-wide ban, which will take effect next month.
"After the ban goes into effect, they can come in and enjoy a cigar
here," Fox said.
With nothing else like it in Baldwin, F and J is quickly becoming a staple of downtown. Since opening last year, F and J has become more than a cigar store, customers say, but a place to get together and mingle with neighbors. It is living up to its burgeoning reputation as a classy cigar lounge.
"It's really a nice place to come and relax," said Baldwin resident Steve Kearns, a regular here and novice cigar smoker. "It's almost like it's unwritten. Everyone comes in and it's inclusive."
It is that inclusiveness that cemented Fox's friendship with Melo and
Saez. Fox was looking in the area to open his own business, perhaps a bar or lounge, and wandered in to F and J and soon became a fixture and, two months ago, business partner.
"He just came in," Melo said, adding that Fox is like a brother to him now. Baldwin Harbor resident Saez and Hempstead resident Fox are both retired New York City detectives, and Melo, also a Baldwin Harbor resident, is a LIRR union representative. In their retirement, Saez and Fox said they wanted a bit of respite following years of rigorous police work.
"He's having a wonderful time," Lisa Saez said of her husband.
And customers have echoed that sentiment.
"It's a home away from home," said Farmingdale resident Bill Martino, who has been friends with Melo for 20 years, and explained that the business has become something quite special. "There's no race or ethnic barriers here."
As music played and Roger Clemens snagged his 300th win, the couches were filled with a wide range of people, from men in business suits to guys in T-shirts and jeans, all with a thick cigar between their fingers, some jovial, others relaxing and chatting with friends. Topics ranged from the acting prowess of Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino to the baseball game, and, of course, cigars.
"We'll get anyone from a biker to a millionaire," said Saez.
Many times, Saez, Fox, and Melo can be found talking it up with customers on the couch.
"It's a nice ambiance and everybody is friendly," said Baldwin resident Carmine Pisana, who was smoking a CAO and usually buys Fonsecas here. "It doesn't matter who you are, they treat you like a king."
Pisana, who said he used to smoke mostly at bars, said F and J is a haven now, especially since the owners are avowed cigar lovers.
"It's not about the money," said Melo, who was smoking an Ashton cigar. "We love cigars."
Although the money is secondary here, the business has really taken off. Aside from the huge custom-made, walk-in humidor, F and J recently added amenities in the store such as the couches, a wider variety of cigars including their own hand-made brand, customized humidors and other accessories, as well as a web site.
"I think places like this are going to do better business because
people can't hang out anywhere else to smoke cigars," said Pisana.
As the night wore on, the empty martini glasses, ash trays and water bottles lined the counter, and the winner of the raffle was finally announced.
"And the winner is," said Alicia Melo, as her husband Jack rummaged
through the box of stubs and pulled out a green ticket, "Carl."
Although Carl, a frequent customer and owner of Baldwin Cycle on Sunrise Highway, had left earlier in the evening, everyone seemed to know who he was and let out a cheer.
"Good for Carl," said one patron. "He's a good guy."
