Midlanders need a quiet place to go after the symphony or theater where they can talk and have a glass of beer or wine," said Mrs. Dunham, an accountant.
"Come enjoy our tropical atmosphere with overstuffed furniture and a humidor where the cigars are kept." Notwithstanding the men's club decor, cigar bars have long since surrendered their "men only" status because cigar makers like Perdomo, Victor Sinclair, Cohiba, Arturo Fuente, Padron, CAO, Punch and Excalibur have an increasing number of women afficiandos, including Mrs. Dunham.
"Cigar Frogs compliments the restaurants we have downtown and stay open until midnight Monday through Saturday," she said. "We've bought a $30,000 state-of-the-art ventilation system and a player piano to complement the local musicians who will play piano and acoustic guitars."
Her husband, a real estate investor who sold three drycleaning shops in Odessa five years ago and owns the Pets at Peace Cemetery on Business 20, has spent more than $300,000 to make it a prototype cigar bar, though imported cigarettes will be sold, along with stogies costing from $4 to $30 each.
For a $600 annual membership, you will have a locker in the humidor and admittance to the members only room. Behind the 2,500 square foot interior is a 1,000 square foot patio with firepit tables featuring gas burners and lava rocks to thwart cold weather.
The city of Midland has approved the presence of 200 people inside and 50 on the patio, but indoor seating will be limited to 30-40, Dunham said.
A 5-foot-tall Senor Sapo will greet you at the entrance and a more compact gentleman, sporting a maroon ascot, supports all the tables.
When asked the characteristics of a good cigar, Dunham said, "That it's well rolled and has a good blend of aged tobaccos.
"It's a personal preference. I like a medium. You're not supposed to inhale the smoke. It's meant to be savored like a fine wine."
Although cigars range widely in price, Dunham said good quality may be obtained for $8 to $10.
