Diamante's Cigar Lounge - Old Traditions New Again
Photography by Francesca Andre: francescaandre.com Courtesy The HILL Brooklyn
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Since 1868, the Diamante family has been found in Ft. Greene, with numerous Diamante ancestors owning businesses over the last century and a half. Inside Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge, there are many photos of David’s family – all holding a cigar. It’s a tradition that David enjoys and eagerly shared during a recent visit to his lounge at 108 South Oxford Street (just off Fulton).
FAB: How long has your business been on S. Oxford Street?
David Diamante: We’ve only been here a few months, since November, 2009.
FAB: What made you select the Fulton Street area for your business?
David Diamante: Definitely my family history. We have been in Ft. Greene for four generations and I’m proud to add my generation to that. When I decided to open a cigar lounge in Brooklyn, Ft. Greene was the obvious choice.
FAB: What do you love about the area?
David Diamante: What’s not to love? Clinton Hill and Ft. Greene have an amazing amount of diversity, great people, proximity to the park and a great culture overall. I love it that there are people from across the globe in this neighborhood who share a common love of the area. It’s a fantastic mix of everyone.
FAB: What would you recommend to other businesses on S. Oxford Street – and the Fulton Street district - to help them succeed?
David Diamante: Here’s what I do…treat people right. Offer great service at a fair price, try to be unique and yet fit into the neighborhood. I listen to what my customers tell me, for instance, if they want a type of cigar that I don’t carry, I’ll find it for them. I treat them with respect and, above all, do it consistently. If our customers can count on us to provide a place and a service they need, we become an extension of their home and they bring their friends.
FAB: How did you get started in your business?
David Diamante: I have a long family history of cigar lovers. In fact, most of the photos hanging on the walls are of my family – grandfather, great-grandfather, great uncles and so forth – and you’ll notice that most of them have a cigar in their hand. The culture and appreciation of cigars was taught to me by them. In addition, I’ve traveled extensively through the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Honduras and Nicaragua, and learned a great deal about how the tobacco is grown, cured and rolled by hand. Each type of cigar has a unique flavor and intensity, so I’ve enjoyed exploring them. This passion for cigars inspired me to open a cigar lounge.
FAB: What would you like the community to know about Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge?
David Diamante: That we’re a very inclusive place. My customers are both male and female, and range from truck drivers to CEO’s and everything in between. And they’re all welcome here. A love of cigars is a great ‘equalizer’ and we have areas here when people can socialize or be alone and just relax with a good cigar. We’re unique to the neighborhood in that you can sit indoors and enjoy smoking. We also host events and are available for private events.
On top of this, we have our own line of cigars that are made especially for us – you won’t find these in any stores or anywhere else – and I have personally approved each type of cigar in this line. And what’s better than being able to offer your neighbors some of the best cigars right in their own neighborhood?
Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge is open Monday – Thursday, 5p.m. to midnight, Friday from 5pm until 2a.m., Saturday from 1p.m. until 2a.m. and Sundays from 1pm to midnight.
http://www.brooklyncigarlounge.com/
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FAB: How long has your business been on S. Oxford Street?
David Diamante: We’ve only been here a few months, since November, 2009.
FAB: What made you select the Fulton Street area for your business?
David Diamante: Definitely my family history. We have been in Ft. Greene for four generations and I’m proud to add my generation to that. When I decided to open a cigar lounge in Brooklyn, Ft. Greene was the obvious choice.
FAB: What do you love about the area?
David Diamante: What’s not to love? Clinton Hill and Ft. Greene have an amazing amount of diversity, great people, proximity to the park and a great culture overall. I love it that there are people from across the globe in this neighborhood who share a common love of the area. It’s a fantastic mix of everyone.
FAB: What would you recommend to other businesses on S. Oxford Street – and the Fulton Street district - to help them succeed?
David Diamante: Here’s what I do…treat people right. Offer great service at a fair price, try to be unique and yet fit into the neighborhood. I listen to what my customers tell me, for instance, if they want a type of cigar that I don’t carry, I’ll find it for them. I treat them with respect and, above all, do it consistently. If our customers can count on us to provide a place and a service they need, we become an extension of their home and they bring their friends.
FAB: How did you get started in your business?
David Diamante: I have a long family history of cigar lovers. In fact, most of the photos hanging on the walls are of my family – grandfather, great-grandfather, great uncles and so forth – and you’ll notice that most of them have a cigar in their hand. The culture and appreciation of cigars was taught to me by them. In addition, I’ve traveled extensively through the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Honduras and Nicaragua, and learned a great deal about how the tobacco is grown, cured and rolled by hand. Each type of cigar has a unique flavor and intensity, so I’ve enjoyed exploring them. This passion for cigars inspired me to open a cigar lounge.
FAB: What would you like the community to know about Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge?
David Diamante: That we’re a very inclusive place. My customers are both male and female, and range from truck drivers to CEO’s and everything in between. And they’re all welcome here. A love of cigars is a great ‘equalizer’ and we have areas here when people can socialize or be alone and just relax with a good cigar. We’re unique to the neighborhood in that you can sit indoors and enjoy smoking. We also host events and are available for private events.
On top of this, we have our own line of cigars that are made especially for us – you won’t find these in any stores or anywhere else – and I have personally approved each type of cigar in this line. And what’s better than being able to offer your neighbors some of the best cigars right in their own neighborhood?
Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge is open Monday – Thursday, 5p.m. to midnight, Friday from 5pm until 2a.m., Saturday from 1p.m. until 2a.m. and Sundays from 1pm to midnight.
http://www.brooklyncigarlounge.com/
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