After opening their first location in Illinois over 25 years ago, Sam and Mike Khalil with their partner Matthew Farokhian of Casa de Montecristo have branded their newly renovated Schaumburg location as the country’s first Byron Cigar Lounge. The Khalil and Farokhian family names are synonymous with best-in-class guest experience as well as housing some of the most sought-after cigars in the world.
With over 5,000 sq ft of elegance and tranquility, the Byron Cigar Lounge offers guests a heightened experience. State-of-the-art humidors have been added along with three separate walk-in humidors.
The Byron name dates to 1850 when the family of Nelson Alfonso, owner of Selected Tobacco, manufactured cigars in Cuba. Nelson continues the family tradition with Atabey, Byron and Bandolero as well as owning and operating Golden Age Video Design in Madrid, Spain. Offering his families brand name, the Byron Cigar Lounge showcases unique Byron blends and launches. Grand Opening planned for the spring of 2021 but the doors opened to guests in December 2020.
“We wanted to capture moments in time from our travels just as Lord Byron did on his,” said Mike Khalil. “Every inch of the Byron Cigar Lounge was designed with a purpose.” Sam Khalil added, “This opening is a very special one, our decision was made while smoking Byron afterhours and listening to Nelson share the history of his family.”
Oliver Nivaud, National Director of Operations for Untied Cigars, said “The Byron Cigar Lounge will become a destination lounge for any cigar lover, their attention to detail on this lounge has set a new standard for the industry.”
