GRAND RAPIDS – Mark Renzenbrink has been a customer of Tuttle’s Select Cigars almost since the tobacco retailer opened in 1994, as Grand Rapids first cigar smoking lounge.

So when owner Gary Tuttle announced plans to sell the store, Renzenbrink was interested in taking over the reins. He recently purchased the store, at 3835 28th St. SE, for an undisclosed amount.

The move into retail is a departure for Renzenbrink, who had a long career in radio. He worked his way up to director of sales with Regent Broadcasting and Townsquare Media, which owned several local radio stations including WLHT-FM (95.7), WGRD-FM (97.9), WTRV-FM (100.5), WFGR- FM (98.7) and WNWZ-AM (1410). He was laid off in 2010 during a leadership shake up, after the company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

“When Gary shared that he was seeking other opportunities, I couldn’t imagine not being able to come here, and I knew that his many loyal customers would feel the same,” said Renzenbrink, 56. “It wasn’t a difficult decision for me – I wanted Tuttle’s to keep its place in the community and from there, everything just worked out.”

Tuttle believes Renzenbrink is well suited to run the shop.

“Mark is a longtime friend and I know my customers are in great hands.” Tuttle said. “His commitment to carry on the Tuttle’s tradition is evident.”

As smoking bans have pushed smoking out of most public places from the office to restaurants, Tuttle's Select Cigars has carved out its niche.

“We have the exemption that allows our customers to smoke cigars in our lounge,” said Renzenbrink.

The lounge, with WiFi access and HDTV, usually draws 16 to 18 smokers a day.

"Not all at one time," he adds, with a laugh.

Tuttle’s 170-foot cedar-lined humidor is the largest in the city, and holds more than 30 brands of premium, hand-rolled cigars including Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Opus X, La Gloria Cubana, My Father, Rocky Patel, Romeo and Julietta. Cigar prices range from about $3 to $35. The store also carries cigar and pipe smoking accessories.

Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday; and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday.

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