History of WEST TAMPA

West Tampa Tobacco Co. brings a fresh perspective to the large cigar industry under the guidance of Master Blender Rick Rodriguez. The roots of this new brand trace back to 1953, when Rick's grandparents, both expert cigar rollers from Havana, moved to West Tampa, Florida. Their skills and stories from Cuba's golden age of cigars inspired Rick throughout his childhood in the shadow of West Tampa’s historic cigar factories. After decades learning from industry legends like Benji Menendez and establishing himself as a master in his own right, Rick, along with co-founder and President Gus Martinez, launched West Tampa Tobacco Co. in 2022. With a focus on premium handcrafted cigars that blend tradition and modern tastes, Rick and Gus utilize the finest tobaccos to create exceptionally flavorful and well-constructed cigars that honor the legacy of Rick’s grandparents while appealing to both traditional and contemporary aficionados. Based in the historic cigar hub of Tampa, Florida, the company marks a new chapter in the rich tapestry of local cigar manufacturing.