Our Story

In the beginning...

Appleton Souvenir & Cigar Co. (ASCC) opened on April 1st, 1997, as a souvenir, apparel, and small selection of premium cigar store under the ownership of Mary Weidert. In November 1998, Club Habana cigar lounge was added to the storage area behind the showroom as the cigar business grew. The private membership club grew to 67 members by the spring of 1999. The store underwent changes in ownership, and Nick Herrmann of Madison, WI, took over the store from Mary Weidert in January 2002.

Nick discontinued all souvenir sales and directed focus on cigars and Club Habana. The store conducted business through a rear alley entrance during the College Avenue reconstruction in summer 2002, and in August 2002, College Avenue reopened.

In November 2003, Bob Zima of Green Bay, WI, took ownership of the store, and a new 28' walk-in humidor was completed with a drastically expanded cigar selection. Club Habana's membership was discontinued in July 2004, and Adrienne Palm joined the all-male smoking staff. The departure of Klint Ballard brought a shift in direction, and Adrienne moved into the role of full-time employee, eventually becoming the store manager/events coordinator. The store's selection of tobacco products expanded once more, as ASCC entered the world of hookahs and shisha in the fall of 2005. ASCC continues to serve Appleton's tobacco needs, remaining the only cigar smoke-friendly establishment in Appleton despite the citywide smoking ban.

On December 30, 2022, Wes Halula and Norm Kopesky brought their extensive business experience and love of cigars to Appleton Souvenir & Cigar. and rebranded as Appleton Cigar Co. Wes and Norm have kept and expanded  the incredible atmosphere of the lounge while introducing exciting new cigars, whiskeys, and beers. If you run into them at the shop, they’d love to hang out and share a smoke.