Whoever said it’s a man’s world had never met Mame Kendall, owner of Smoke Cigar Shop & Lounge. She is a strong, independent, and competent woman running a business in a historically male-dominated field.
Located in Bridgeville, Smoke Cigar Shop & Lounge is, like it’s owner, extraordinary. Despite cigars traditionally being seen as exclusively for the boys, Mame is committed to maintaining an environment that welcomes everyone equally. “I wanted to create a cigar shop that would not be intimidating. Where people of all types would walk in and feel at home.”
The beauty of the space is not what I expected to find, but Mame’s background in interior design and passion for fashion certainly played a role in the style of the shop. The leather chairs and couches and gorgeous wood display cases give the Smoke Cigar Shop & Lounge a classy, elegant atmosphere without being stuffy.
Walking into the shop, the aroma of high-quality cigars was a pleasant break from the cold weather outside, and Mame’s friendly personality was a warm welcome to all who entered. Many of the patrons who stopped during my visit were women, which speak to Mame’s ability to make “non-traditional” cigar aficionados comfortable.
Watching her at work, I quickly see how Mame became one of the city’s most reputable cigar experts. I asked her how she managed to convince some of the old school smokers that a “girl” could handle the job of running a cigar shop. “It took about one day,” she quips. She said once they realized she was knowledgeable and offered helpful advice, they were sold.
After becoming co-owner of the Twins Smoke Shop in New Hampshire, Mame returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh with the experience and expertise to start her own store. Here she has established a reputation of a true connoisseur of the tobacco industry. She takes pride in finding out what her customers are looking for in a cigar including flavor profile, cigar size, and budget.
This commitment to meeting her customers’ needs makes her a trusted source for information among both men and women who stop in. Spending some time in Smoke Shop & Lounge, I saw how Mame knew most of the guests and what they like. For those whom she didn’t know, she was helpful and made them feel at home.
Mame says, “The people that come in here have become a little family, but we treat everyone that way. I don’t put up with cliques or anything like that.” She likes that the customers will sit around, chat, and lounge, and that her shop has a casual and conversational atmosphere.
Mame talks about cigars in the same way a wine expert would talk about different vintages. She describes how you can pair the cigar with your favorite alcoholic beverage or even coffee, and the ways cigars enhance social experiences and the taste of various drinks. To her, this is a craft. There is a lot to know, and it’s always changing, but she is ready to keep learning.
One of her favorite ways to engage the community and encourage new and loyal customers to stop in is through monthly events and holiday specials. For Christmas, Mame is hosting a 12 Days of Christmas special where a different brand of cigars will be featured each day with markdowns and deals. It’s the perfect way to get great prices on high-quality products, and finish your Christmas shopping.
We are always delighted to see smart, dynamic women thriving in Pittsburgh, and Mame is one of those incredible forces that did not let tradition, naysayers, or stereotypes get in her way. Plus, she is the mama to an “amazing 7-year-old” named Maggie. It seems like she truly is doing it all and making it all look good.
Smoke Cigar Shop & Lounge is an extension of her. It is cool, comfortable, stylish, and fun. So whether you’re a cigar expert or have never tried this “affordable luxury,” as Mame calls them, you are in for a treat if you stop by. There are cigars for every taste and budget. Enjoy!
For more on Mame Kendall and the Smoke Cigar Shop & Lounge visit smokecigarshop.com
