Walter stood behind the heavy oak sales counter along the back wall of Golden Leaf Cigars in the Philadelphia business district. He couldn’t help but allow a small smile to spread across his otherwise stony face as he watched his customer base come and go. Overhearing questions to the staff from some of those less experienced in the world of fine cigars, his expert staff guiding them all through the process of building their own tailored smoking experience. His eyes next fell to an opened box containing the establishment’s cigar bands, waiting ready to find their home within a case of freshly rolled cigars. An embossed MS stamped in the center of a jet-black band; the edges lined in gold. He next took in the two small golden leaves that flanked the MS at the center. He smiled proudly knowing each leaf on each band was meticulously hand placed.

Walter just stood there, taking it all in. His humble shop having grown to such a degree in such a short amount of time. He let out a satisfied sigh as his mind already started to churn, working out the future of the shop.

“Jack. I think it’s about time we thought about branching out. Get spreading our concept into the other cities.” He started, not taking his eyes off the shifting crowd of patrons.

“I want to keep the same concept we have here now, but I want larger locations than this. The new locations will be more of a lounge, I think.” He finished, glancing over at his longest serving headguard.

“Not a bad idea, boss man. I can start to put some feelers out to some of the people we have across the other cities. See what properties might be available for us to scout out.” He replied calmly, his eyes constantly scanning the shop’s clientele.

“Look for spots with an old underground vault or basement. Want to keep a portion of the shop underground, maybe for the more private parties we can host if nothing more.” Walter replied to the man knowing he was mentally noting their conversation down.

“Also, get some feelers out there for some import/export experts. We will need to make use of their services should we with to skirt some of them damn taxes that come with the sheer volumes of tobacco we will need to maintain the various locations we will open.” He continued, moving to light a cigar of his own.

“Consider it done.” Jack replied simply before finally stepping away to set the gears into motion.

“It’s about time the nation was introduced to the Golden Leaf Lounge.” Walter said to himself before taking a long steady pull on his cigar, his gaze falling back on the customers of his establishment.