BUCYRUS — A hobby among friends has formed into a budding business and made its home in downtown Bucyrus.
The Paper Pipe now calls downtown Bucyrus home in the former Etter’s House of Flowers at 311 S. Sandusky Ave.
A temple to the art of cigar rolling and having a relaxing time with friends, is a testament to the foundation of the store’s creation, and a chance to enjoy a time when “paper pipe” was common phrase for the store’s product.
Kevin “Fluff” McNeal said it all started with some friends in a self-made cigar club enjoying each other’s company and quality cigars. He said talk started about making a cigar shop.
“Back then, it was all just a pipe dream,” McNeal said.
Then entered Kevin “Big Kev” Buchanan.
“Around last Christmas, I looked at (Buchanan) and said, ‘You know, we should open a cigar shop,’” McNeal said. “He said, ‘How did you know I was about to say the same thing,’ and it began to get traction from there.”
McNeal said he and his wife, Susi, looked at the former Etter’s building and thought it was perfect. After renovations, the building kept its original hardwood floors among other things, while the drywall is new. The project took approximately six weeks.
McNeal said he wanted to create a welcoming space for customers to come and relax. The front of the store contains a table and chairs with checkers, where customers may challenge Susi if they wish, and other items for sale such as humidors, cigar cutters and more.
The back of the store features leather chairs and a television.
Between, is a walk-in humidor with a large variety of cigars to choose from.
“We have said that you could have a cigar every day and never try the same one twice for quite a while,” McNeal said. “But we also encourage to tell us what you want. If you don’t see it on our shelf, talk to us and we’ll get what you’re looking for. We’re here for the customer.”
After the initial response from area residents, he thinks there are plenty of customers.
“Bucyrus is a little cigar smoking town,” McNeal said. “After we closed on the building, Susi started a Facebook page and right away we got like 300 followers. It was unreal.”
He said they also provide a local option for cigar smokers, as Delaware, Mansfield and Findlay have the next-closest smoke shops.
With the customer experience being the main objective, The Paper Pipe allows customers to bring in their own beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, along with responsible use while the customer is in the store.
McNeal said the staff wants to expand in the future to include cigar etiquette classes and patio music entertainment.
Hours of operation at The Paper Pipe are:
Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 1-6 p.m.
More information may be found at The Paper Pipe Facebook page.