[cmitch]

The most successful shop I know is the Cigar Room in Madison, Alabama in a booming N. Alabama metropolitan area. No alcohol is served. It's BYOB. There are 3 lounge areas and all are for everybody. No tooty snooty stuff here. One is quiet and gives someone a place to watch TV or read. Another has a poker table, game area, juke box, and pool table. The outside retail area has a sitting area which has become my favorite because the conversation is lively and interesting.

Next door to the shop is a place called 'Wish You Were Beer.' They sell only microbrews and do a whopping business. The cigar shop owner owns the entire strip mall so all businesses compliment his shop. A hairdresser on one end (while the ladies get their hair done, the husbands can hang out at the cigar shop). A Thai restaurant is to the left of the shop.

He is successful because customer service is No. 1. 99% of the folks appreciate it. The staff is nice and helpful. The owner, Donald Waddell, is one helluva nice guy along with his right hand man, Donny Muse. If you want to look at shops before you open yours, I suggest you plan a trip here before doing anything.