Still puffing

Paul Clinton

In the lingering smoke of the 1990s cigar craze, Annie and Richard

Hallajian continue to puff along in what many consider the premier

tobacco shop in the area.

Since 1989, the Hallajians, along with daughter Lynn and son Alex,

have run Newport Tobacco out of Fashion Island, nestled in a small

strip of shops near the Tutto Mare restaurant.

Thanks to a loyal customer base, Newport Tobacco is surviving the

fading of the cigar fad, which seemed to waft out with the economic

prosperity of the dot-com era.

“It’s not an easy business to be in now,” Annie Hallajian says.

“If it wasn’t for our loyal customers, there is no way. That’s who

keeps us going.”

Situated in the ritziest shopping center in the area, at the heart

of the ritziest town in Orange County, helps, as well.

Newport Tobacco isn’t only a cigar shop. The Hallajians also sell

an array of paraphernalia, including lighters, cutters, cigarettes,

pipes and pipe tobacco, and a range of cognacs and other liqueurs.

Right now, cigar smokers introduced to the social relaxant in the

‘90s have surprisingly sophisticated tastes, Annie says.

Nicaraguan cigars are popular at the moment, followed by Dominican

and Honduran brands. Customers ask for Davidoff, Camacho, Turo and

Montecristo much of the time.

Drew Estate’s Acid cigars, with funky names like Liquid, Atom,

Infusion and Blondie, have caught on of late, especially with younger

smokers, because of their spicy bursts of flavor.

A cigar at the shop can cost anywhere from $4, for a low-end

smoke, to $35, for a more prestigious brand. The shop carries about

100 different types of cigars.

The shop is also known for its lighters by Colibri, S.T. Dupont

and others, which can cost as much as $15,000.

Cigars, which have always symbolized wealth and prosperity, no

longer have a seat so close to the front row in a world of stock

market declines, war and social malaise.

“It’s always tied to relaxation,” Annie says. “Cigar smoking is a

lifestyle. Cigarettes are a nervous, stupid habit.”

The Hallajians say they enjoy running their business as a family

affair. Alex launched and maintains the shop’s Web site

(www.newporttobacco.com), while Lynn puts in her hours mostly behind

the glass counter.

Both say the decision to enter the family business was an easy

one.

“There’s nothing better than working for your family,” Lynn says.

“My hours are flexible.”