A Cigar Lounge
re-opened in Chicago under new ownership and a new look. The owners who have
been friends for a long time decided to go ahead and buy the Lounge. The Lounge
was established in 2005 and the previous owner wanted to sell it.
New owners Thananaum Chariya, Matthew Rasche, Donald Porus
and Juan Leon have all been friends and longtime customers at Bull & Bear
Cigar Lounge. They used to Buy Cheap Cigars previously from various stores. So when previous owner Hal Elmore
wanted to sell the location established in 2005, they took up the call.
“We couldn’t let it go and decided to buy it,” says Leon, a
police officer in Naperville, who says he’s been very busy ever since.
Although the lounge is in a strip mall, customers are
immediately transported into what resembles an English country club when they
enter. Expect lots of smoke such as nub cigars, leather and wood. The ladies are welcome, of course, too.
“It’s like a social club. Members get to know each other,”
Leon says.
Cigars like the bolivar cigars, humidors, accessories, a cozy venue and like-minded people to smoke
with are what defines this shop.
Leon says they have been overwhelmed by the reception of the
revamped cigar lounge.
“Some pick up a coffee next door and stop in for their lunch
break, or come in after work,” he says.
Some patrons even make a specific stop while on business
here to get their “fix.”
Bull & Bear also sells gift cards and happily guides
newcomers through the world of cigars, from premium brands such as Ashton to
flavored LUJ cigars. Gift cards worth $10 or $20 are available for purchase,
and make great presents for husbands and boyfriends, Leon says.
The renovations of the 17,000-square-foot location included
installing hardwood floors, some comfortable leather sofas and hanging five
flat-screen TVs for watching popular sporting events. It was completed in just
a few weeks.
“Many of the loyal customers helped by donating their skills
and time during renovations,” Leon says. “It was amazing.”
Bull & Bear also will be hosting Kristoff Cigars by
local vendor Glen Case in October. Details of upcoming events can be found at
bullandbearnaperville.com.
Ann Taylor Loft re-opens
Ann Taylor Loft, 55 S. Main St., re-opened Sept. 20 with a
brighter and warmer look, ready to offer the latest in women’s work and casual
clothing.
Closed for just a little more than two weeks, the renovated
location opened ahead of schedule earlier in September — just in time for Fall
Girls Weekend in Naperville.
“It was great timing,” says Karrell Bell, store manager of
the downtown location. “We had so many customers stroll through. More than
expected.”
The new fall collection for women of all ages is out. Bell
describes it as “all kinds of pants and lots of bright colors.”
Ann Taylor Loft is hiring part-time associates.
Design studio celebrates year move
Interior Planning & Design, a local studio specializing
in commercial and residential work with a green touch, moved their design
studio to 1783 S. Washington St., suite 100, more than a year ago.
“This is such a convenient location with walking-distance
amenities for employes,” says Joan Kaufman, founder of Interior Planning &
Design. “It’s important to feel comfortable at work.”
The shop Kaufman began more than 20 years ago has received
numerous awards. It also offers a certified Feng Shui practitioner,
implementing sustainable design ideas.
“We specialize in remodeling and reconfiguring spaces,” says
Kaufman, who says they often remodel spaces while they are still occupied. “My
forte is project coordination and orchestration.”
