Woodlands Fine Cigars

The owner said he has smoked cigars for years and had prior experience in the industry before opening the shop with partner Mike McCoy in 1996, later purchasing McCoy's portion of the shop in 1998.

Gager's son Phil has worked at the shop since it first opened and said he may one day take over the business.

Phil said customers vary between those who purchase one or two individual cigars and those who buy boxes every time they shop.

The cigars vary greatly as well, ranging in price from $1.50 per cigar to upwards of $40, he said.

The quality difference comes in whether the cigars are machine rolled or hand rolled, Phil said. Cheaper cigars also have shorter fillers and binders, which makes them more loosely packed compared to longer, more tightly rolled cigars.

Gager said he still has a passion for cigars and hopes to stay open for years. However, expansion of the shop is unlikely.

"We've thought about [expansion], but you don't want any more than you can take care of," Gager said.

Customer comments

"I've been coming every since I found out it opened. [I come back because of] the owners, the environment, the selection of cigars and the quality of cigars."

- "Pistol Pete"

"I come pretty much every day, except on Sunday when they're closed."

- Andrew Connelly

"I think my wife really appreciates [Woodlands Cigar Shop] because I come and within an hour, hour and a half, I can decompress and still be home for dinner."

- Chuck Wellman

Woodlands Fine Cigars, 582 Sawdust Road, Spring, 281-296-0202, www.woodlandsfinecigars.com

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Sun.