Today we’d like to introduce you to George Henriques
Hi George, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with cigars started back in 1995 when a coworker introduced me to them. I enjoyed smoking for a few years, but by 2000, life took me in a different direction, and I stepped away from cigars entirely. For 23 years, I didn’t touch one—until a chance encounter changed everything.
One evening, I attended a benefit event featuring steak, whiskey, and cigars. When the host got to me, he had run out of cigars, but he went out of his way to find one for me. As fate would have it, the cigar he handed me was the exact same one I had smoked 23 years ago. The moment I lit it, all the nostalgia came rushing back, and I remembered why I had loved cigars in the first place.
After retiring from the music industry, I found myself reflecting on what was next. Sitting in a cigar lounge one day, I realized how much I enjoyed the atmosphere and sense of community. It sparked an idea. Ten months later, I took a leap and purchased a lounge in Sunrise, Florida. We recently celebrated our anniversary, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges was breaking into the industry without years of prior experience. However, I have to say, the transition has been much smoother than one might expect. My background in music and consulting taught me that, at its core, business is business. The fundamentals remain the same—treat people the way you want to be treated, work hard, provide great service, and create a welcoming environment. Those values have guided me every step of the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What makes Burnt Leaf Lounge special is our unique blend of major cigar brands—similar to many other cigar shops—but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to boutique cigars. We believe in providing the platform; the cigars just have to perform. That philosophy drives us to showcase small-batch cigars that many people have never heard of but are truly exceptional once tested. It’s that dedication to discovery and quality that makes us different.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is my first trip to Yankee Stadium. It was a birthday gift when I turned six, and everything about that day was perfect—the crisp fall air, the excitement of seeing the field for the first time, and the incredible seats we had. The best part? I got to meet a few of the players. For a kid who loved baseball, it was a dream come true and a moment I’ll never forget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theburntleaflounge.com/
Image Credits
I clarify that I have the rights and permission to use these images and will take full responsibility for their use
