Regensburg Cigar Factory, 2701 N 16th St
Regensburg cigar factory on 16th Street in Ybor City. 1946. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System
The Regensburg cigar factory was built in 1910 as one of the largest factories ever built in Tampa. Nicknamed “El Reloj”- Spanish for the clock- residents all over Ybor City relied on the chimes from the tall tower to set their timepieces and get to work on time. The factory closed in 1952 following a decrease in demand for hand-rolled cigars.
In 1954, the J.C. Newman Company reopened the facility and has operated it ever since. The building was renovated in the early 2020s, and the owners expanded the cigar museum, retail store, and a hand-rolling area, all in celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary.
© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved
JC Newman Cigar Factory, 2701 N 16th St. 2020. © Chip Weiner
From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol.2
J.C Newman Cigar Factory hand-rolling room. 2024. © Chip Weiner.