The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

By Michael Burke
Journal Times

BURLINGTON — The former Eastside Emporium isn’t dead; it’s just reincarnated on Racine County’s west side.

Downtown Racine’s cigar and magazine store recently went up in smoke after the owners decided to get out of the business. But cigar aficionado Mark Hammes of Burlington saw that as his chance to fulfill a long-time dream of having a cozy cigar shop.

It started late last year, during a visit to Downtown Racine with his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Chip Hinds.

"I said ‘I would like a cigar store; I had no idea they were closing,’ " Hammes said. "(Chip) said, ‘Hey Bro, here’s your store

The name means several things, Hammes said. The shop is located in Burlington’s historic downtown district and is a "throwback to a simpler era."

Even "Eastside" retains a certain logic for Hammes. "It’s 160 E. Chestnut St. We’re the east side of Burlington."

Coincidentally, he’s learned that long ago, a cigar factory was located either in that very building or an adjacent structure.

"I love cigars," said Hammes. "I’ve been in several different shops because I drive a truck. It’s just a real interesting business, with interesting people to meet.

"It’s kind of nice to slow down. ... People buy a cigar and they sit down and you just watch the stress melt. To me, it just kind of puts life back into perspective."

Hammes is renting the 1,100-square-foot shop, most recently a tattoo parlor. It features seven 7-foot-tall mahogany humidors from the former Eastside Emporium.

To stock his shop, Hammes said, "I got all the (cigars) I like, all the ones my friends like," for starters. He’ll carry pipes and pipe tobacco, gift items such as cigar-cutters, some cigarettes, and a small selection of magazines.

When truck driving takes him away, Hammes’ friends and family, including his wife, Cathryn, will help run the shop. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

For more information call the store at (262) 763-8686.