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You might think the name Casablanca Cigar Bar is taken from a classic movie title, but in fact, it’s derived from the story of the owner of this local haunt, Sam Souhail.
Sam followed his American dream to the states in 2005 all the way from Casablanca, Morocco with sheer persistence and a true love for connection with people.
“I saw quality cigars as a beautiful vehicle for making that connection,” Sam explained.
He married the love of his life, Brooke, in 2008, who grew up in North Carolina and went to college in Asheville where she earned her degree in culinary arts. But she became not only his wife but also his business partner.
“Fortunately for me,” Sam said, “Brooke eats red tape for breakfast, legal documents for lunch and then still has time to prepare dinner for our growing family.”
With Sam's passion for cigars, humidors and the other nuances cigar aficionados hold in the highest regard, inspiration struck during a trip to the Biltmore Village area.
“I was struck with a vision of a luxurious cigar bar that could cater to tourists and locals alike,” Sam explained. “We decided to take a chance and bring that niche concept to the Asheville area.”
Soon after, Casablanca Cigar Bar opened its doors at 18 Lodge Street in Biltmore Village in January of 2017 and has been going strong as a local favorite ever since. It boasts the largest walk-in humidor in Asheville and the most luxurious environment to enjoy it in complete with leather couches, a gas fireplace and more than 150 whiskeys to choose from.
Sam said his biggest pleasure from owning Casablanca is having the ability to provide his patrons with a glorious reprieve from their daily grind.
“Casablanca isn’t just about delicious craft cocktails and fine cigars,” Sam said, “it’s about community.”
Learn more about the community around fine cigars by taking a trip to Casablanca Cigar Bar the next time you’re in the Biltmore Village area. And don’t forget to check out their Dig Local page where you can find all their events, specials and more, like $2 off whiskey all day on Tuesday.
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