#49 - Behind the Smoke: Secrets of Tampa’s Last Great Cigar Factory with Holden Rasmussen

What makes Tampa Bay a destination for history, culture, and world-class craftsmanship? In this brand-new episode, hosts Bryan Burns and Molly Barbieri sit down with Holden Rasmussen, Company Historian at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, for an inside look at one of the region’s most iconic attractions.Located in Ybor City’s historic El Reloj building, J.C. Newman is home to the last remaining large-scale, fully operational premium cigar factory in the U.S. Holden shares the fascinating stories that make this place a Tampa Bay institution—from a hidden trap door once used to safeguard cash from the mafia, to the last bale of Cuban tobacco to enter the United States, and a letter from J. Edgar Hoover thanking the company for helping identify local subversion movements in the 1950s.Discover the artistry behind cigar rolling, from years of training for new rollers to turn-of-the-century machines still producing non-hand-rolled cigars today. Learn what makes J.C. Newman a proudly American company and a living piece of Tampa Bay’s rich history.A 2025 Visit Tampa Bay Hospitality Hero, Holden’s passion for sharing J.C. Newman’s story makes every visitor feel welcomed and connected to Tampa’s vibrant culture🌟 Highlights of this Episode:J.C. Newman Cigar Co.: https://www.jcnewman.com/J.C. Newman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.newmancigarco/Factory Tours & Experiences https://www.jcnewman.com/el-reloj/book-a-tour-el-reloj/Holden’s Hospitality Hero Video: https://youtu.be/vjALcLrUYA0?si=EeO-BaE6OxVtM61w🧳Plan Your Visit:BOOK YOUR STAY IN TAMPA BAY: https://www.visittampabay.com/stay/📲 Stay Connected with Us:Website: https://www.visittampabay.comOnline Visitor Center: https://shop.visittampabay.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/visittampabay/Twitter: https://twitter.com/visittampa