Cigar shop starts up in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Both Andy Waldock and Jenny Smith shared a burning desire to open up a new business in downtown Sandusky. The boyfriend-girlfriend duo recently rolled out what they're calling Nice Ash at Columbus Avenue and Market Street inside the former Bertsch Jewelers building, which had sat empty since shuttering in 2018. Upon walking into this storefront, kitty-corner from Small City Taphouse and across from the Hogrefe Building, people can smoke premium cigars, learn about those tobacco products, socialize with other guests and, maybe most importantly, relax in several lounge chairs. "It's a place where you can come in and just have a break," said Waldock, who's also a commodities trader. "You won't be inundated by loud music. It's designed as, for an hour or two, that you can leave everything behind and try something different." Both Waldock and Smith, whose background comes in food and beverage, consulted with Shannon Marr — the owner of North Coast Cigar in Port Clinton, the closest cigar shop to Nice Ash — before debuting their company earlier this month ahead of Ohio Bike Week "We have licensing agreements with the primary cigar companies that allow us to feature almost all of the major brands, at a reasonable price point, that people are used to seeing," said Waldock, noting Nice Ash sells dozens of different cigar brands in addition to lighters, cutters and other products. Nice Ash stores its cigars in a walk-in humidor so the tobacco doesn't dry out. And, after receiving a special waiver from the state to permit smoking indoors, several filtration systems help ensure clean air from within. "No one will have a problem breathing in here," Waldock said. The Sandusky residents, above all else, aspired to pursue a business concept complementing, and not competing with, what's already available in downtown. "We don't want to take anything off of anyone's plates," said Waldock, who noted Nice Ash hopes to offer a limited bar menu solely featuring some alcoholic drinks. "There are so many great bars and restaurants down here. We hope people visit downtown, get something to eat and find their way in here for a portion of their night." Both Waldock and Smith welcome those 21 and older to their establishment, open 1-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. "We will provide a solid experience," Waldock said. "Even for the non-cigar smokers, you can come in here and probably find something you like. And we hope our cigars and the hospitality we provide bring you back."