Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Trice.
Hi Carlos, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got into the Cigar Lounge business after living in Florida on business for about 3 years. Before living in Florida, I smoked cigars both for business and pleasure, but I knew very little bout the culture. Living in Florida and being deeply exposed to the cigar culture gave me a deeper view and appreciation of its origins, traditions, and values. When I moved back to Fort Worth, TX, I looked for cigar lounges around Dallas and Fort Worth that had the same vibrant energy I experienced in Florida cigar lounges, while at the same time holding the tradition values of the culture prevalent to see and experience. However, I didn’t find any lounges that offered that same experience in Dallas-Fort Worth.
So, I decided to open my own lounge that focused on that Florida vibe with music, colors, guest cut-n-light appearances from cigar vendors and makers, and food when possible. From that decision Pendulum Cigar Lounge was created.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It DEFINITELY has not been a smooth road. Set backs with the build-out of the space I rented included building material shortages, theft, city permits, and property management rules and restrictions. Working capital is always an issue financially, not to mention the constant maintenance issues that occur when renting space in an old building.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Aerospace Engineering Contractor by trade. I have worked for several aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopter, and L3-Harris. My occupation sometimes requires me to temporary relocate to other cities and states for periods of time ranging from 6 months to 3 years.
I’m a 52 year old Tupelo, Mississippi native and a Mississippi State graduate with degrees in Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. I’m married with 2 children. One son out of college, and one daughter currently in her first year at UT-Austin. My wife is a currently a counselor at TCU.
I’m often told that my eclectic personality is what separates me from others. And I appreciate the cultures of different types or races. What I’m most proud of right now is giving the people of Fort Worth my vision of a cigar lounge that has become the neighborhood Cheers of our time.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I have learned is that even though Pendulum Cigar Lounge is my vision, I needed help from good people that wanted to see my vision grow and spread to people outside of Fort Worth. I learned that the best way to succeed was to except the help and ideas of other who wanted to see me succeed.
Pricing:
- $10 – $30 cigars
- $8 – $22 drinks
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pendulumcigarloungefw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendulum_cigar_lounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Pendulum-Cigar-Lounge-100089583557180/
