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Fine Art And Cigars To Focus On Lounges

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By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 5, 2007

TAMPA - The art in Fine Art and Cigars of Tampa didn't last long.
Gonzalo Valdes and his partners have decided to phase out the fine art aspect of the company and instead open a chain of smaller cigar lounges across the Tampa Bay area.

"The art we will be carrying instead will cater to the bar, poker, cigar guy," Valdes said.

In August, the company opened a fine art and cigar store at 4319 W. Kennedy Blvd. to go with its store on Seventh Avenue. The Ybor City store is being renovated, and three more are planned, at 3219 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., on St. Pete Beach and at Johns Pass.

"They are going to be cigar bars with retail," Valdes said.

In addition to selling the company's Ybor City 1800 line of cigars, the shops will sell Cuban and iced coffee, cigar accessories, humidors, wine boxes, energy drinks and espresso, Valdes said.

The stores will be open from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

For information, call (813) 289-4278 or go to www.ybor city1800cigars.com.

Changes Clothing Hidden Behind Stairwell

Tina Ingram knows it's hard to find her new discount clothing store, Changes Clothing and Apparel.

She can see why every time she looks out her storefront window.

The store, 4556 S. Manhattan Ave., Unit D, is next to the I Don't Care Bar and Grill and directly behind the stairwell of the two-story building.

"It's hard to find, I know," Ingram said. "I'm working on getting my signs up now."

She carries Lacoste shirts, Lucky jeans and other new and used designer-label clothes and accessories. Nothing costs more than $30, she said. Most jeans are less than $10.

The store caters to all ages and body types, including plus sizes and maternity clothes, Ingram said.

"I'm trying to keep the prices low," she said.

She said she has some retail experience but had not owned a store before.

She said the time was right.

"Here I am," she said.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

For information, call (813) 835-6100.

Trek Bicycle Shop Opens On MacDill

The bicycle that Lance Armstrong rode to seven Tour de France championships has arrived in South Tampa.

Trek Bicycle of Tampa Bay opened last week at 530 S. MacDill Ave. Armstrong rode a Trek bicycle to each of his Tour victories.

The 7,000-square-foot store sells a variety of bicycles as well as accessories. It also will include a Vision Quest training area to be completed in January, service manager Ted Lee said.

The store is owned by David Sanborn, who also owns four stores in Orlando.

"What we're selling is fun," Lee said. "Bicycles are fun."

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call (813) 712-8000.

Opening a new business? Expanding or relocating? Contact reporter Michael H. Samuels at (813) 835-2109 or msamuels @tampatrib.com.

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