by Wynne Hunkler, Cigar Enthusiast
 n North Arlington hidden away in a small strip center near the corner of Collins and Green Oaks is the Arlington Cigar & Tobacco Shop., one of a trio of Metroplex tobacconists, including shops in Grapevine and Addison. Opened in (2001), the Arlington shop was the third of three Metroplex cigar stores owned by Kenny Wiles.
The Arlington store is an established example of a traditional cigar shop, covered with hardwood floors and walls lined with shelves of ashtrays, humidors, and cigar paraphernalia display cases arranged throughout. The inviting layout of this shop is unlike most other tobacconists, including tables and chairs in the front area, four unique humidors (one reserved for member lockers), a spacious members only lounge in the rear of the store with several televisions (including a 65in. HDTV) and a private conference room for meetings. The most recent addition to the layout was the building of a members-only “gaming area” in the space previously next door.
After creating a doorway through the wall, the owner added a roomy table and chairs for cards, dominoes or just plain visiting. Continuing through this new play room, members find two pool tables, two dart boards and a ping pong table to enjoy while smoking their cigars. (I understand the owner is quite the ping-ponger and willing to accept all challengers!)
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Entering the Arlington Shop, customers are frequently greeted by store manager, Paul Costo, who has managed the store since its grand opening. Customer service focused, with an in depth knowledge of cigars and tobacco, Paul is a model cigar store manager. An ex-technology professional, Paul left the world of bits and bytes for the aroma of cedar and the pleasures of panatelas and maduros, and according to his experience, “this was one of the best decisions I have ever made”. Enjoying his work is just another reason, this humble writer believes Paul to be one of finest cigar shop managers in the DFW Metroplex.
Harley Mittelstedt, the assistant manager, has been with the store since its second year, and if Paul is not in the shop, customers are likely to be greeted by Harley. Having previously worked for another tobacconist in the DFW Metroplex, Harley has been in the tobacco business for a number of years and compliments the knowledge resources available at the Arlington Cigar & Tobacco Shop. (continued...)
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