The Brivado Cigars lounge in Orange, New Jersey, is a members-only cigar lounge selling the experience of plush leather chairs, top-tier ventilation, and monogrammed ice. But the exclusive connotation of such a place is bolstered by the core of its mission to be a community space.
“You’re not just getting a membership, you’re becoming a part of the community and family, says Brivado’s owner, Brian Agnew. “In that space, a lot of business deals are done, a lot of social deals are done, a lot of connections are made that drive continued success in people’s businesses and relationships.”
Agnew is a man of many talents. He’s a news publisher for the Orange and East Orange franchise of the local news company, has a doctorate in communications, and is a volunteer firefighter. Naturally, he decided “lounge owner” was a rightful addition to his list of titles.
“Sometimes we miss out on life’s opportunities when we get placed inside a particular box, ” Agnew said.
But weaving all of these jobs is a desire to be embedded in the local community. He learned that cigars can be a conduit for congregation from the Brotherhood Smoke sessions he attended in the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity tradition. First, he started the Brivado cigar line, and later the lounge, which has been up and running for almost one year.
Agnew’s mission was to make the lounge an “ecosystem of professionals that become their own community.” It’s a gathering space for dealmaking, kids’ birthday parties (in the nonsmoking lounge, of course), and debating on politics or hot topics. The “Beauty Bourbon and Brivado” event series brings men and women together to discuss relationships and intimacy, moderated by a sex therapist. Just last week, Brivado hosted a standing-only room of around 200 Black men to talk about the upcoming local and gubernatorial elections.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka attended and spoke about the race between his former opponent, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Trump supporter, Republican Jack Ciattarelli. These sorts of gatherings clearly go ‘beyond the smoke’ of socializing.
Agnew says it’s important that Black people have the option to patronize Black businesses that offer an experience like Brivado, which he calls a “Black country club.”
“When we want to have parties, we rent spaces that are owned by others,” he said. “So, to create a Black-owned banquet space in a community is also a big deal because of the investment that it takes to create it and maintain it.”
The cigar industry generated more than $13 billion dollars in the United States in 2024 according to market research firm Fact.MR, and it’s only growing.
Despite the gains, the world of cigar lounges is still a field dominated predominantly by white men. Accessing capital and regulating regulations can be tricky, as cigars contain tobacco and nicotine, all regulated by the FDA.
Nevertheless, Agnew says the work is worth the effort it takes to keep the business thriving and growing. It’s an example he hopes all his patrons will follow:
“The one thing that I would hope people know about Bravado: it’s the place where you can be your authentic self, and ultimately grow.
