By Camille C. Spencer Email the author April 12, 2013
The co-owners of The Mancave. Credit Rick Tauceda
With experience in the cigar industry and as a master barber, Darren Alvarez woke up one day with a business plan: Merge the two worlds to create a place where men can go to both puff cigars and get groomed.
A grand opening is scheduled for 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.
“We want the community to come in and take a look at the place,” said Alvarez.
Finger foods, wine, cigars, raffle tickets and a domino tournament will be part of the event, including an appearance by the Monster Energy truck and muscle cars that are scheduled to be parked outside.
We recently talked to Alvarez about why he chose South Tampa as the location for The Mancave, and what sets his lounge apart from others.
On how the idea for The Mancave came about: “Both of us have been in the cigar industry since 2007. I cut hair and operate West Tampa Cigar Company. I’ve been involved in both businesses. I woke up one day and literally said, ‘Why not put both together?’ They both deal with men’s leisure. If I can make barber clients cigar clients and cigar clients the barber clients, why not?”
What sets the business apart from others: “The idea of having barber chairs inside of a cigar lounge. And what sets us apart is the people. I sit here, I work everyday, I cut hair everyday. We are a small family business. I came up with this mindset. I decided to start this as a family business.”
On the cigar brands carried at The Mancave: “Arturo Fuente, Alec Bradley, Nestor Miranda, Rocky Patel Connecticut. The price range is $5 to $14.”
Why The Mancave opened in South Tampa: “I’ve always said that being Cuban, I can bring a little Latin flavor to the area. There’s not very many Hispanic businesses in the area. I know a lot of people in South Tampa. My front door has 50,000 cars pass it everyday. As far as the opportunity to grow in a community, South Tampa is the best place to be.
You have businesses, a private community, a golf course down the street. I wanted to plant a seed here and grow from within.”