Cigar Bar Coming to Former Scatton''s Site

Source from:  Standard Speaker‎ 05/15/2015

The site of the former Scatton's Restaurant will become another eatery, but this one has a different ring to it.

The owners of the regional Cigar Box stores are building a premium cigar bar and lounge called Smoke Rings at 22nd and Vine streets.

All permits have been issued, and the liquor licensed has been approved.

Tom Trella, who owns Cigar Box along with Laurie and Bob Veet and Michael Barletta, said the facility would be built on the same, 3,000-square-foot footprint as the former Scatton's Restaurant.

"We are excited to invest in the city and to restore a first-class establishment to this neighborhood," said Tom Trella.

An estimated 15 to 20 full- and part-time service staff will be employed. Barletta, owner and general manager of the Cigar Box-Infinity Vapes line of seven stores, will manage the day-to-day operations of Smoke Rings.

Trella described the proposed establishment as an "upscale cigar bar and lounge" that would host a cigar and vapor retail store and an area where patrons can eat sandwiches, hoagies, salads and possibly pizza.

Demolition began this week and the business could open in six months, Trella estimates.

Smoke Rings will be an entirely new structure that will include a walk-in humidor with a wide selection of premium cigars from around the world.

With a full bar serving beer, wine and fine spirits and a deck area for seasonal outdoor seating, Smoke Rings will offer customers a unique cigar lounge experience.

A state-of-the-art ventilation system will enable patrons to enjoy Smoke Rings in a comfortable setting.

While modern and new, the atmosphere will harken back to Hazleton's blue-collar industrial roots.

"The heritage of this area is built on hard work, and Smoke Rings will honor that heritage with a factory-style motif," said Trella.
 "At the same time, we felt that there is a need in this region for a nice, modern place to relax and savor good times with a cigar or drink."

Trella, Barletta and the Veets own the Cigar Box stores in the Laurel Mall, in Coal Creek Plaza in St. Clair, and in Coal Township.

Trella and Bob Veet own and operate Capriotti's Catering in the McAdoo Industrial Park. Enditem