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Local Voices

Up In Smoke On Main Street Cigar Lounge & Smoke Shop Opens in Middletown, N.J.

Belford, N.J. (Middletown) - Belford resident Steve DiGiorgio, an avid cigar connoisseur, never gave much thought to the quaint old section of Belford known as Campbells Junction until recently. The father of three was driving quickly through the business district on his way to a school function and noticed some classic cars passing by. Then it hit him. He vocalized his own thoughts. "I want to capture that! Why not? Why shouldn't I create something, a business, that would combine a love of cigars, community, conversation, camaraderie and commerce, but would also preserve and honor history and the 'old world' charm in Campbells Junction?" After discussions with his family and a tremendous amount of planning, Up In Smoke On Main Street, a cigar lounge and smoke shop located at 900 Main Street next to Junction Bar & Liquors and Dentz Auto Body, became a reality. The rustic yet elegant gathering place opened on Saturday June 14 and is already earning accolades for the unique atmosphere within. "One of my hobbies is cigar-smoking, and there is nothing more relaxing in my view than a good conversation and a good smoke," DiGiorgio noted. "I wanted to create an enticing environment for that, where everyone from the rookie cigar smoker to the avid connoisseur could gather to relax," he added.
Regarding the section of Belford known as Campbells Junction, DiGiorgio loves the diversity of businesses and people, the blending of the old and new, the classic cars that always seem to be passing by, the mixture of older people like veterans with young lively children, and believes the area has tremendous potential. "It strikes me almost as a future Red Bank," he stated.
DiGiorgio, whose enthusiasm is striking and contagious, is already thinking about forging partnerships and alliances with neighboring establishments to increase business for everyone, including the new Belford Brewing Company. "This is my home. I want to see success all-around," he offered, "and it is there for everyone."
Particularly important to DiGiorgio is the name of the business and the fact that the words 'Main Street' are there, which was intentional. He believes the words evoke images of the past and a certain 'old world' charm that he hopes to capture and maintain in his business, especially since all of Middletown, including Belford, is rich with history.
DiGiorgio has invested wisely in the decor. A birch and cedar-plank bar with wood imported from South America offers patrons a chance to enjoy a variety of coffees, including espresso, teas, bottled water including flavored Pellegrino, and a variety of cakes, muffins and danish. The bar is shiny, and the stools are made of deep-hued wood and leather and are very elegant. Four large screen televisions and free WiFi encourage everyone to relax and to stay, which is fine with DiGiorgio. The lounge area features large and comfortable leather chairs with tables, which are perfect for individuals or small groups to gather and enjoy the cigars. On-the-spot smoking is encouraged. The walk-in humidor has a wide array of cigars with low, medium and high-end prices. DiGiorgio wants to be a conduit and a catalyst for the community to discover the joy of cigars. "Everyone from the budget-conscious to the cigar connoisseur and the most discerning palates has a home here, and I want men and women alike, beginner to advanced, to be comfortable here and to enjoy the cordial and friendly atmosphere. It's really like being in your own living room, but the smoke stays here and not there," he added with a laugh.
Patrons can choose from a variety of domestic and imported cigars from locales like Connecticut, The Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Mexico, Spain and France, amongst others. The business allows BYOB and is also available for private cigar parties and events. The entire lounge and bar is available for rent by the hour. In the future, DiGiorgio hopes to run fundraisers and other special events like 'Ladies Night Out' along with car and motorcycle shows to welcome the community. He is also formulating plans to offer memberships and lockers and while no gambling for money is allowed, there is a poker table and chips available for rent. He emphasized that a full-range of sports programming is available on the two flat-screen televisions.
DiGiorgio also noted that if a patron does not see a particular cigar in the store, that he can place an order and have that brand in 24 hours. He especially hopes that novices will visit and find something they enjoy, then perhaps discover new tastes. "Cigar-smoking is really an acquired taste and is about discovery, about finding one or two types of cigars you really, really love. There are so many truly great cigars out there," DiGiorgio stated.
Up In Smoke On Main Street is open seven days and is located at 900 Main Street, Belford, N.J. 07718. The telephone number is (732) 769-7927. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Steve DiGiorgio can also be contacted through email at upinsmokeonmainstreet@gmail.com.

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