*Fox13 – J.C. Newman Cigar Company Renovations
- J.C. Newman Cigar Company Renovations
- November 30, 2019
The last working cigar factory in Ybor City is undergoing renovations before they celebrate their 125th anniversary in 2020. The purpose is to make the cigar factory a tourist destination and to remind everyone that Tampa is the “Cigar City.”
Between the hard hats and exposed red brick walls, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is still producing up to 60,000 cigars a day.
With its 125th anniversary on the horizon, Tampa’s last cigar factory wants the world to know its history
Erwin Electric is proud to be a part of this historic renovation!
Founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker in America.
“We’re the only one left still being owned-and-operated by a family,” explained Eric Newman, grandson of the founder, Julius Caeser Newman. “My grandfather always wanted to be the last man at the craps table. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not, but we’re still here.”
Next year, Eric explained, the factory will have a large museum immersing visitors in Tampa’s history and the history of the cigar industry. There will also be factory tours, where people can witness cigars being made by humans and machines.