For the Jimenez's, cigar rolling isn't just part of their Cuban tradition. It is also a part of their family history.
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"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
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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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