Cuban Cigars: A piece of Cuban tradition kept alive in New Jersey for over thirty years
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The Jimenez family, led by their matriarch Nelda Pozo-Jimenez, have carried on the famous Cuban tradition of cigar rolling in the heart of Newark, New Jersey for over thirty years.
For the Jimenez's, cigar rolling isn't just part of their Cuban tradition. It is also a part of their family history.
"My parents came to Newark in 1968 from the prosecution in Cuba and started a small cigar factory in Columbia Street here in Newark, NJ. But this tradition has been passed on through generations for over one hundred years," said Ricardo Pozo.
The two-story establishment serves as the cigar rolling headquarter of Jimenez Tobacco and also as a speakeasy, where clients can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and hand-rolled cigars hand-picked by Mrs. Pozo-Jimenez herself.
"We want you to feel like family, we want you to come here, relax and unwind," said Ricardo Pozo
The tobacco leaves used by the Jimenez's are aged between 5 to 10 years and are imported from countries like Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico to guarantee their quality and rich flavor.
"We've taken a Cuban tradition and made it better. Now we made it a Cuban-American tradition" said Pedro Pozo.
To hear more amazing stories of community leaders in our area, join ABC7 in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
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