Our Cigars

When one thinks of Havana, Cuba, it conjures up visions of a romantic Caribbean island with infectious energy, salsa, mambo, Havana Club Rum, and Cohiba Cigars. This atmosphere was the inspiration for Little Havana Cigar Company.

John Linner, commonly referred to as “The Cigar King,” was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. John showed intense and varied interests at even a young age. He attended school in Arizona and developed an appreciation for innovative business ideas. John met his wife, Melissa, while she was attending Arizona State University. He found employment with his future father-in-law, Jim Leiter, in California with The Disney Stores, Inc. where the Customers were treated as Guests. John was known for his innovative ideas and intuitive business sense. He eventually relocated back to Phoenix to be near his wife and secured employment with PetsMart, Inc. where he developed extensive knowledge of POS systems and the retail market. After moving to Northern Arizona with is wife, John decided that it was the appropriate time to develop his vision and dream as a small business owner. In addition to diverse business interests he participates in a wide variety of hobbies to include off-road racing, motocross, hunting and fishing.

James Leiter was no stranger to the business world. He was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan. He earned his Associates Degree at Baker College and received his degree in Business Administration at Aquinas College. After working for over 20 years with blue chip corporations and supporting his wife Sally and three daughters, he began his own entrepreneurial aspirations and successfully opened Over the Rainbow Preschool in Phoenix, Arizona. Having served as a mentor with intelligent business practices, he was the obvious choice to partner with John in his small business endeavors.

Together, John and Jim have taken an innovative idea and a passion for fine cigars to develop Little Havana Cigar Company in April 2008. Visitors to the shop are greeted with not only a tantalizing aroma of high quality tobacco but also by knowledgeable and friendly staff in a warm atmosphere. Because the entire shop is a humidor, it creates an optimal environment for displaying quality tobacco and promotes a social atmosphere amongst its patrons. The shop stocks over 100 brands of cigars and a wide array of flavored bulk pipe tobacco. The tobacco pipes are carved in excellent grain patterns with minimal flaws and one can even purchase bags of whole bean exotic coffees. Little Havana has now expanded their quality tobacco products globally with their internet site that will offer over 600 products.

John and Jim have indeed captured the essence of Little Havana and welcome you to share in their passion for fine cigars, pipe tobacco, and accessories. We would like to invite you to indulge.