Heroes & Legacies

Heroes & Legacies

Written by Rachel Youens Saturday, 07 April 2007

Smoke shop introduces Austin to cigar culture

In the eyes of owner Richard Hutcheson, Heroes & Legacies offers more than just cigars. Its most important product is something he can’t even stick a price tag on: camaraderie.

The Heroes & Legacies smoke shop has been a staple in the Arboretum for 10 years selling tobacco, pipes and other goods. The store’s membership group has become a place to network for many north Austin residents, and Hutcheson preaches cigars as though they were a religion.

“Tobacco is a very historical business. Columbus took tobacco back to Europe and that’s how the industry was started,” Hutcheson said. “I know a lot of the retailers that make the cigars. I traveled to Honduras last spring and will travel to the Dominican Republic this year to see new techniques and new varieties.”

Nearly half the store is made up of the Havana lounge, which is decorated like the ultimate den with leather couches, thick wooden poker tables, a humidor and wireless internet. Those who purchase a membership are invited to come to the lounge to watch sports, smoke cigars or just relax.

“Cigar smoking brings guys together,” Hutcheson said. “One of our biggest stories was a Dell executive who became legally blind. He couldn’t really go out and didn’t have any social life. Then he started coming here, and he found a safe place with friendly people. Someone would usually even drive him home at the end of the night.”

Over the course of time, most businesses face financial challenges, but Hutcheson’s have been legislative. Owning a tobacco and smoke shop during a time when smoking is heavily debated in state and local government has been hard.

“My passion for cigars comes from the people in the industry, but we’re a lazy group sometimes, and we don’t say enough,” Hutcheson said. “I was in two thirds of the community meetings back in 2005 [when smoking was banned from night clubs]. I just wish legislation would come to distinguish between cigarettes and cigars.”

If the last gubernatorial election had turned out differently, Heroes & Legacies could have been entertaining even more business, from customer and famed cigar smoker Kinky Friedman.

“I don’t tout this store real heavily, but people tell me we’re the best cigar shop between the two coasts,” Hutcheson said. “I have fun at work every day.”

Beyond cigars

Heroes & Legacies regularly holds events to introduce new cigars and give customers a glimpse of the membership lounge. In March, Hutcheson invited the maker of one of his favorite cigars, Rocky Patel, and Sopranos actor Joe Gannascoli, who played Vito on the show.

Heroes & Legacies’ next event will be May 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring C.A.O. cigars. Both members and non-members are welcome.

Heroes & Legacies, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 214, www.heroesandlegacies.com • 343-6600

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