Legacy Cigar Lounge to open in West Reading

Adrean Turner believes the best cigars are an exercise not only in flavor, but mindfulness.

“Steve Harvey said cigar is yoga. It’s just relaxing,” Turner said. “My notes are walnut, vanilla, and some cedar. I’ll sit in a chair and just listen to music, enjoying the cigar.”

Pleasing the palates of those who pursue the finest of smoking experiences is the mission of Legacy Cigar Lounge, Adrean, and Rick Turner’s new establishment in West Reading.

The lounge at 559 Penn Avenue will hold a ribbon cutting with community members and borough officials Friday, Sept. 1, at 10:15 a.m.

The doors will open for the first time at 11 a.m. in a day-long event featuring music, giveaways and raffles.

For the Turners, Legacy is a logical conclusion: The product of an enduring appreciation for everything a cigar has to offer.

Rick Turner said his love affair with cigars began decades ago, on the other side of the equator.

“In 1989 … I just got out of (Navy) boot camp, I was deployed to my ship, one of the first stops we made was Valparaiso, Chile.” Turner said. “That’s where I got introduced to my first cigar. It was a Cuban, Cohiba.”

Turner said he was beyond hooked.

“I wasn’t smoking it right, but the fellas on the boat taught me how to smoke,” Turner said. “Ever since then, it’s just what I do.”

Their passion for maximizing the cigar experience eventually led the Turners to float the idea of a basement lounge.

But after being inspired by a couple who opened a cigar lounge on the reality television series “Love and Marriage: Huntsville,” the Turners decided their passion would be better shared with those of like minds, and the seed of Legacy was planted.

“Every time we travel (Rick) is always getting cigars, finding a lounge,” Adrean Turner said. “When we recognized that, hey, it’s possible to have a lounge, we just really started doing our research to find a location.”

Legacy’s seed has now matured, much like the seeds that flowered into the tobacco used in the premium cigars stored within Legacy’s walk-in humidor, known as “the Legend.”

The humidor, managed by head cigar sommelier Dr. James Jackson — along with the rest of Legacy’ staff of seasoned cigar sommeliers — all contribute to the upscale experience that the Turners aim to create for guests.

With its warm, inviting interior, the 4,500-square-foot lounge calmly beckons cigar aficionados and newbies alike to pair their Maduro with a top-shelf spirit, or choose whatever combination of cigar and beverage suits their tastes.

“You will have someone there to help you select a cigar that is more to your liking,” Adrean Turner said. “Someone will help you when you get to the bar to pair that cigar with a wine or other libation.”

Rick Turner described Legacy’s ambiance as “masculine but still sexy.”

“If you look at the background, cigars have been a masculine thing, but now more than ever, women are playing a big part in this world. A lot of owners, including myself, are really starting to cater to women as well,” Turner said.

The facility is equipped with all the amenities guests might anticipate at a high-end establishment: televisions, surround sound systems, Wi-Fi access, leather seating, game tables, outdoor seating, live music, and a state-of-the-art air filtration system, according to the owners.

But Legacy also steps beyond expectations, offering options like a camera-free VIP area, as well as thoughtful touches, like mouthwash in restrooms and chocolate at tables to cleanse the palate.

Guests can also browse a menu of lite bites, crafted by executive chef Christopher Rodriguez, offering a fusion of Latin, Creole, and soul food classics.

Adrean Turner said a few menu items include baked salmon wrapped shrimp, vegetable flatbread, Cuban sandwiches, Southern fried chicken wings, plantain fries, and wagyu beef sliders.

The goal, according to Rick Turner, is to create an environment where everyone from the janitor to the CEO can feel comfortable indulging in the cigar experience.

Creating that sense of comfort and community will also involve activities like cigar cutting classes, and “smoke and paint” sessions, according to Adrean Turner.

Turner noted that she was grateful to the larger West Reading community as well for its support.

Turner gave special thanks to the Rutter family, who previously operated Chef Alan’s restaurant at Legacy’s location at Penn and Sixth avenues, for their help in the transition.

“The Rutters have been phenomenal … we’re very grateful for Jeff and Alan,” Turner said.

She also thanked businesses that have offered partnerships, such as Trish’s Specialty Cheese Cakes, which will be making a special bourbon cheesecake that will only be sold at Legacy

The Turners noted that Legacy will be offering discounts on monthly memberships. They are available for $85 a month until the second week of September. After that, the price will be $100 a month.

Members will enjoy benefits including a members-only area, discounts on cigars and apparel, a personalized humidor cigar locker, invitations to private member-only events, advance event notifications, and priority booking for private events.

Legacy is open to all, with a $25 minimum spending requirement to enter.

Those looking for updates, promotions, or further information can visit Legacy’s website, www.legacycigarpa.com, or follow on Facebook or Instagram.