While Jimmy Zaid was working toward his architecture degree, he opened R&J Cigars in Pearland as a fallback during a period of tough economic times for the country. Upon graduating, Zaid found that following in his father’s footsteps and remaining in the cigar business would be the best route for him.

“I graduated at the wrong time, recession wise,” he said. “We opened that store as a backup plan, and it turned out better than Plan A.”

Zaid’s dad has more than 35 years of experience running tobacco and liquor stores in Pearland and Friends-wood. It was in one of his father’s shops that Zaid first got a look at his future industry.

R&J Cigars Zaid said 75 to 80 percent of his inventory at R&J Cigars is composed of boutique brands.[/caption]

“My summer job as a high school student was working for my dad,” he said. “He’s been in the liquor and tobacco business for a while. I used to run his tobacco shops, [and] I vaguely had an idea that premium cigars were profitable if done right.”
Since opening in Pearland on Aug. 1, 2008, R&J Cigars has expanded with a second location in Friendswood. The newest storefront—which opened in June 2014—is bigger and features a smoking lounge with recliners, TVs and an aquarium.

R&J Cigars features more than 500 stogie brands, including one of Zaid’s own. While the shop carries familiar names, such as Cohiba and Monte Cristo, Zaid said about 75 to 80 percent of his inventory is boutique cigars. Boutique smokes are produced in smaller quantities and often are lesser-known brands, Zaid said.

“As an owner you’re obligated to carry [big-name cigars], but trend wise more people are buying and smoking boutiques than those brands,” he said.

Through avenues that include Cigar Aficionado magazine and cigar blogs and websites, such as halfwheel, Zaid said he discovers boutique brands to feature in his store.

R&J Cigars Zaid began working with cigars as a summer hire at his father’s tobacco shops in the area.[/caption]

In addition to his shops, Zaid also sells and distributes wholesale cigars. He said he has about 95 wholesale accounts across 24 states.

“When I got into this business, I started as retail,” Zaid said. “I told myself I want to do every aspect: retail, wholesale and distribution. I’m [also] considered a manufacturer because I have my own brand as well.”

Zaid said he helps customers who are new to cigars choose smokes based on desired flavors and strength.
“Cigars are all about relaxing, letting go of all the stresses and taking it easy,” he said.

R&J Cigars
2803 Business Center Drive, Ste. 137, Pearland
713-340-1488
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.,
Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
www.cigarsofpearland.com

2407 W. Parkwood Ave., Ste. 108, Friendswood
281-993-4593
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 2-9 p.m.