Empire Social Lounge Brickell is set to celebrate the retirement of cigar industry veteran Mike Freire on Friday July 1, 2022, 8PM with an event complete with live music, food, and entertainment. Mike has worked in many facets of the business but has been the humidor manager at Empire Social Lounge Brickell since 2018. Latin Grammy nominated Leslie Cartaya formerly of “PALO” to perform during celebratory event. Empire Social Lounge Brickell is located at 1106 S. Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33156.
Mike Freire retirement special to be offered at event. Featuring a pairing of two of Mike’s favorite brands. The special incudes 2 oz. of Johnny Walker Black paired with a Padron 80th Anniversary cigar for a price of $37. 37 represents the number of years Mike has been involved in the cigar industry.
Born in Havana Cuba, Mike Freire was naturally drawn to tobacco. He majored in law at Nova University but ended up pursing his passion for cigars and got his start working with Oliveros cigars in 1995. The cigar bug bit him and he never left the industry as he later worked with Espinosa Cigars (Known then as United Tobacco) and Carib Cigars (Christian Eiroa). He also worked on the retail side and helped manage the iconic Cuban Crafters in Little Havana. Mike later opened his own shop, “South Miami Cigar & Wine,” which brought together Mike’s passions (cigars, fine wines, art, and music). After selling South Miami Cigar & Wine Mike was recruited in 2018 to curate and manage the humidor at Empire Social Lounge Brickell until the end of this June when he officially retires.
Mike and his wife Luz will leave for Paris, France after the festivities. Mike plans to continue to maintain his relationships in the industry by attending cigar events and tradeshows.
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