Fishtown: Breathe In and Breathe Out at The Xhale Lounge

Smoking is not something that is widely accepted by many people in public as the smell may be too much for them to handle. But do not fret as the Xhale Smokeshop and Cigar Lounge at 453 E. Girard Ave. welcomes smokers to come on in and have a puff.

Brad Helder, the owner, opened up his business a week before Christmas last December out of his love for cigars. Fishtown was a prime spot to Helder as he lives in the neighborhood and noticed it is an up and coming area with a lot of new businesses. In the area, it is the only one of its kind as it stands out from the cafés and hair shops. With a big yellow banner that reads “cigars” and standing tall as it blows in the wind at the curb, it is hard to bypass this store without turning your head.

Having no experience of his own in owning a business, Helder found an opportunity to try his shot at one after working 15 years in the restaurant business. He is proud to say his shot is one that has worked out well. “I never thought that I would be in the business,” Helder said, “but now that I am, it’s great. It’s really exciting to see how things are working out so fast.” He believes his business has become popular due to the fact that people may smoke inside, he provides a lot of rolling tobacco which he said has become popular in the neighborhood, and he holds events in his shop. He typically holds one event per month with cigar representatives who have special deals for customers. Helder would like to begin holding his own events with a cigar roller and barbeques. “I’m just doing new things as the time goes, with new ideas. I’m open to anything,” Helder said.

Xhale’s customer base is of all kinds of various backgrounds. From lawyers to doctors to construction workers, and ages from young 20s to 70s, the shop attracts numerous customers throughout the neighborhood. “It’s kind of cool how it’s working out with having all different kinds of people. The way they intermingle it’s cool. It’s exciting for me,” Helder said.

As the business continues to progress, Helder has some goals in mind. He would first like to expand to separate the lounge and the shop so customers who do not wish to be around others who are smoking are not forced to. He would also like for people to be able to have a little drink while smoking too. “If people enjoy a bottle of wine or scotch, they can bring it in and have it on the premises,” Helder said. If he could have a bar too he would, but Helder said it is hard to work that out with the smoking bans in Philadelphia today.

Some more popular cigars are Arthur Fuente, Brick House and La Flor Dominicana. “Everyone has their own taste. You just have to tend to the consumer,” Helder said. Helder’s personal favorite is Alec Bradley Tempus.

If you are looking for a variety of cigars and to have a little smoke, join Helder and his co-workers and Xhale.