In the bustling Canadian metropolis of Toronto, it’s not uncommon for a small business establishment to have a relatively short shelf life.
Restaurants aside, many establishments in Toronto – especially those within the trendier areas – tend to not make it beyond the 5 year mark. A Toronto establishment may open and then decide to close its doors permanently after a mere year or so. Commercial rent prices are extremely high, trends are constantly changing, and so are the tastes and interests of the average fickle Torontonian.
As a time-honored, handcraft product, cigars are very much averse to change. Thus, Ron’s Cigar Store, which has persisted since the 1940s, has watched trends (and countless surrounding establishments) come and go.
Though its ownership has changed hands multiple times throughout the years, it has consitently sold tobacco products for almost 80 years at the same intersection of Queen and Shaw in downtown Toronto.
Different smokes for different folks: a woman walks past Ron’s with a cannabis joint in hand
To delve a little deeper into what Ron’s is all about, we asked its manager Kelly a few questions.
House of Horvath: What Toronto neighborhood does Ron’s serve?
Kelly: We are located on Queen Street West Street in Toronto. This section is also known as the Art and Design District.
HOH: When was Ron’s established?
Kelly: Ron’s Cigar Store started way back in 1947.
HOH: What is your best-selling Cuban cigar?
Kelly: We have multiple bestsellers including Montecristo No. 2, Montecristo No. 5, Romeo No. 2, Partagas Serie D. No.4. I believe the Monte No. 5 probably stands out the most.
HOH: What is your best-selling Nicaraguan cigar?
Kelly: I would say the My Father No. 1 Robusto and Oliva Serie G Robusto are pretty much neck and neck.
HOH: What was the most expensive cigar you’ve ever sold and what was its price?
Kelly: Easy. That Cohiba Behike 56 for three hundred and fifty dollars [CAD].
HOH: Does Ron’s have any house blend cigars?
Kelly: Yes, we do offer a Nicaraguan house blend. It’s a popular cigar.
HOH: Ron’s appears to have a feline mascot that can be seen lurking around. Who’s this?
Kelly: We have a calico cat named Chips that roams around. She’s very friendly and loves people. She often appears randomly on Instagram. She has a brother named Fish who doesn’t live at the shop.
HOH: Beyond cigars, what other items can be found at Ron’s?
Kelly: Cigar cutters, lighters, ashtrays, humidors, pipe and accessories, as well as cigarette tobacco. We also have a lot of old collectible cigar items and other collectibles that have been used to decorate the store.
A cigar statue on display at Ron’s
RAPID FIRE QUESTION TIME (provide only short answers): Davidoff or Fuente? Davidoff. I do like Davidoff cigars for their vitola selections and super smooth mild cigars. Butane lighter or wooden match? Butane lighters are preferable because it’s wind resistant for outdoor smoking. Churchill or robusto? Personally, the max size cigar that I go for is Robusto. Short-filler cigar or cigarillo? I like Cuban Cigarillos for the quick five-to-ten-minute smoke and flavour profile. Maduro or Connecticut? I prefer Connecticut wrapper because they’re typically grown under protection from the sun, leading to a mild flavour and a lighter colour on a cigar. Straight cut or punch cut? Punch cutting my cigars is my ultimate preference. Not everyone would choose this, but I would. It feels nicer and less of the cigar cap is taken off. Cuban or Nicaraguan? I prefer a Cuban cigar over Nicaraguan cigar, but don’t get me wrong because we have really good Nicaraguans too! Mild cigar or stronger cigar? I generally prefer a mild cigar over stronger cigars. That’s just what my body can handle. Upmann or Montecristo? I really like H. Upmann, especially the Half Coronas. A perfectly short size for a perfect 30 min smoke.
HOH: What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning to explore the world of fine cigars?
Kelly: Avoid a full strength cigar on your first try. Start off mild, but if you’re someone who can take down a half bottle of whisky with no issues, then by all means you’re free to try the stronger cigars!
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Ron’s Cigar Store is located at 934 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G6 and can be reached at (416) 532-6320 or info@ronscigarstore.com
