Relaxing with a cigar and a glass of bourbon. It’s an image that conjures a sort of classy, calm image in mind. And it can now be found in downtown Farmington.
Business partners Donovan Singleton and Monique Henderson celebrated the opening of their Loft Cigar Lounge earlier this month. Operating under a soft opening since Thursday, May 9, the pair will celebrate with an official grand opening party in the latter half of June.
But make no mistake, the Loft is open for business. And Singleton is excited to share his love for cigars and community with visitors downtown.
"Cigars are a common thread among people, something to have a conversation around. You don’t have to be wealthy or have a certain title," Singleton says.
"They’re something everyone can enjoy, regardless of background."
Patrons can enjoy one of more than 100 different kinds of cigars from the Loft’s humidor and sip on spirits, beer, and wine from a fully stocked bar.
Singleton and Henderson aim to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, with lounge and bar seating, and ambient jazz and blues on the radio. Singleton says that unlike most cigar lounges weighed down by heavy and dark leathers and woods, the Loft features a more colorful, vibrant interior design.
The name itself, Loft Cigar Lounge, comes from the open floor plan design of the room, akin to a downtown loft apartment.
Singleton, a resident of Farmington Hills, was driving through downtown Farmington one day with his wife, when he saw the storefront and inspiration hit.
"I love the diversity of businesses downtown, from the breweries to the bakeries. I thought it’d be a good fit," Singleton says.
"Being downtown but a small town, plus the support of the city--it made for a perfect storm."
Loft Cigar Lounge is located at 33419 Grand River Ave. in downtown Farmington.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.