The idea of a mobile cigar lounge roamed in Frank Ramunni’s head around for a while before he made it happen. With the COVID-19 pandemic boosting the popularity of food trucks, he thought it could be time, and in December of last year, he took the plunge, starting Tobacco in Tow.

“I bought a brand-new trailer and started in December of 2022 getting it ready,” said Ramunni. “It was a thought in production for about two years.”

The trailer is 8.5’ by 16’, with the inside set up like a retail shop, including humidors and seating. There will also be tents and chairs set up outside the trailer for additional seating, and he has the ability to set up a TV.

His first event is set for this weekend at Steel Hands Brewing, a pairing he said happened naturally, as he knew the manager at the Cayce brewery.

“I talked with the manager who wanted to get a mobile cigar lounge but didn’t know of one,” he recalled. “And I said, ‘Well, you’re in luck.’”

The mobile lounge caters to public and private events, including weddings, corporate parties, tailgates and any outdoor event “geared toward adults who want to kick back and relax,” Ramunni said. 

For weddings, he offers bridal or groom packages for the party to hang out prior to the ceremony

“It’s bringing the cigar experience to you,” Ramunni said. 

Depending on the event, he plans to have some light jazz-like music playing in the background for a relaxing experience.

The chill-out mode is what draws Ramunni and other cigar smokers, he said. Since smoking a cigar can last roughly 45 minutes to an hour as opposed to a quick cigarette smoke, it’s seen as a more leisurely activity.

The comradery is what Ramunni particularly enjoys. He said he frequents Maduro Room, a cigar lounge in Lexington, and enjoys making connections over a stogie.

“The connections I’ve made with people are life changing because we talk and learn,” says Ramunni. “I meet people from all walks of life.”

He credits an uncle for introducing him to cigars, fondly remembering how they bonded while smoking them.

Ramunni said he will have about 30 different brands in his mobile unit and will offer custom boxes, with options to please a variety of tastes, from aficionado to newcomers looking to avoid a harsh aftertaste.

After Steel Hands, the lounge is headed to the always massive St. Pat’s in Five points on March 18 before stopping at Lexington’s Krafty Draft Brew Pub on March 24.

“I’m ready,” Rumuni said.

For rental information and Tobacco in Tow’s calendar of events, go to tobaccointow.com.