Know Bo

Bo had long dreamed of the opportunity to open his own business, pursue his passion for cigars, and create the kind of atmosphere and customer service that he found was often missing. Before he opened his lounge, Bo had retired, and he had taken time off to travel and pursue his passions, not the least of which is his love of cigars. As he traveled he was struck by what he perceived was the lack of personalized service and attention to the customer.

In May 2006, Bo's Cigar Lounge became a reality at 4501 E. Carson Street, in Long Beach, the former site of a used textbook store. It didn't take long for locals to see that something big was happening. "During our construction we set up tables and chairs, and my first customers smoked cigars in front of the shop," Bo recalls, and says with a smile, "We had as many or more customers before we officially opened than did many of our competitors." Indeed, what is clearly a family atmosphere was developed from the beginning. And that success led to opening another store in Torrace in 2009 and Bellflower in 2014.

Bo has the pleasure of sharing his siccess with his daughter, Mimi, who is a true business partner. Mimi recalls watching her father open the store one day. As he stood in the walk-in humidor, she noticed the smile on his face. "He looked like a kid in a candy store, thinking he could have any cigar he wanted."

Mimi went to school for Business Management and has put her education to work as she tends to the business aspects of the business. She assists her father with every aspect of the business, including counter sales, inventory, and accounting. While she tends to many of the details and the "bottom line," she says her father is "the idea guy." In fact, the lounge represents Bo's idea to create a home "away from home," or the ideal place to enjoy cigars.

Currently the Bellfower location is the only remaining lounge. Upon entering, one is seemingly transported to an old English private smoking club. Your attention is drawn to the wood paneling, the leather chairs and the burgundy colored walls. Against that backdrop are more modern features, including big screen televisions, the extensive walk in humidor, the bar serving beer & wine drinks, as well and the private lounge.

Stay open Bo does. In fact, Bo's is open on all major holidays. As Mimi notes, "Holidays have become special times here. Our customers with no family or family members out of town now have a place to gather on these special occasions." Bo's also plays host to business meetings, bible study groups and other special events. The lounge also features the NFL Sunday Ticket football package and all the biggest sporting events.

Now, many are learning what Bo and his loyal following have known for some time that Bo's is simply the best place around to enjoy fine cigars &drinks, a great place to hang out with friends, and a true local success story with the personal touch.