- May 4, 2024
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Mark Woods and Ky Ekinci’s professional association began in 2009 through social media. Four years later, the two are combining their passions as the new co-owners of The Humidor Cigar Bar & Lounge, in the European Village.
One of the things that made the duo want to pull the trigger in purchasing the lounge is that they saw the European Village experiencing an upswing and wanted to get in on it.
“We believe in (European Village) as a one-stop destination for dining, shopping and entertaining,” Ekinci said. “It’s a unique setting — true small businesses. We want to contribute to that as well.”
The co-owners hope that the combination of Ekinci’s business sense and love for the cigar culture and Wood’s background in creating customer experience and bar tending will create a place where people can get together, have new connections and also chill at the same time.
“This is a very rooted culture — the idea of smoke shops and cigar lounges go back centuries,” Ekinci said. “It was not only for the privileged class, but the regular folk also enjoyed tobacco smoking. With the ’90s, a lot of these retro ideas started making a comeback as an experience with hookah lounges.”
It’s that culture that the duo is trying to bring back. While the shop has always had a strong retail store, by rearranging the interior and making a more open feel, the new owners hope to draw customers looking for the whole lounge experience.
With Woods behind the bar, the lounge offers a variety of beer and wine in addition to a selection of beer-fusion cocktails. One fusion cocktail served is a traditional Cuban drin: a mix of confectioners’ sugar, lime juice, beer and ginger ale — served by the pitcher.
One way Woods and Ekinci are trying to make their presence known is through hosting events. The first two events held under their ownership will be the September networking socials for both Young Professionals Group of Flagler County and Entrepreneur Night. There are also plans to host acoustic music nights, a ladies cigar 101 night and a celebration in honor of the 80th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition.
