Rocky Patel Premium Cigars
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cigar manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Indian Tabac Cigar Co. |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Rakesh "Rocky" Patel |
| Headquarters | Bonita Springs , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Rakesh "Rocky" Patel, Nish Patel, Nimish Desai |
| Products | Premium cigars |
| Website | rockypatel |
The Rocky Patel Premium Cigar Company is a cigar manufacturing enterprise established by Rakesh "Rocky" Patel, headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida.
History
The company was originally created in 1995 under the name Indian Tabac Cigar Co. by Rakesh "Rocky" Patel, a former Hollywood lawyer who transitioned from his legal profession to follow his interest in cigars. Initially operating in California under a licensing agreement with the Indian Motorcycle, the business partnered with Phillip Zanghi III to oversee cultivation and production in Honduras. In 2006, the firm relocated to Naples, Florida and adopted the name Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. The Indian Tabac brand was phased out by 2014.
In 2013, company leadership broadened to include Patel’s brother Nish, responsible for sales and customer relations, as well as their cousin Nimish Desai, who took charge of production operations. By 2015, the corporate base had shifted to Bonita Springs.
During the early 2000s, the Indian Tabac Cameroon Legend Gorilla cigar gained recognition for its notably large size, which had an impact on market trends. Celebrating its tenth year in 2008, the Rocky Patel Decade cigar received an impressive 95 rating from Cigar Aficionado.
Beginning in 2010, Rocky Patel ventured into the hospitality sector by launching Burn by Rocky Patel lounges. The first opened in Naples, followed by additional locations in Pittsburgh, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, and Atlanta between 2018 and 2019. The Naples venue hosted preliminary rounds of the Cigar Smoking World Championships in 2020.
From 2020 through 2024, Rocky Patel acted as the official cigar sponsor for the Cigar Smoking World Championships.
Production
At inception, all cigars were crafted using tobacco sourced from leased plantations in El Paraíso, Honduras, managed by Nestor Plasencia. Subsequently, Patel expanded operations to Nicaragua, initiating tobacco cultivation in Estelí alongside Amilcar Perez Castro and establishing a manufacturing facility there.
See also
External links
- Rocky Patel Premium Cigar Company
- Smoke magazine interview with Rocky Patel, Fall 2006