Today we’d like to introduce you to Deon Jones.
Hi Deon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where It All Began: My Journey into the World of Cigars
To tell this story right, I have to go back to the beginning. It all started during my sophomore year at Tennessee State University in 1995. That’s when I had my very first cigar.
Now, I won’t lie—my first experience wasn’t the best. In fact, it was pretty rough. I had never smoked anything in my life, and let’s just say my body wasn’t quite prepared. I turned green and felt sick almost instantly. But that moment didn’t turn me away—it challenged me. I wanted to conquer the art of cigar smoking, so I approached it like studying for an exam. I practiced, researched, and—most importantly—learned not to inhale. Soon enough, I was confidently smoking cigars.
What I discovered through that process was something far deeper than just the act of smoking. I found camaraderie. I found community. I met people from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and different parts of the world, all brought together by a shared love for cigars. It became a comfort zone, a safe space—a lifestyle.
When I moved back to Memphis from Nashville in late 1999, I picked up cigar smoking again. At the time, there weren’t many cigar lounges in the city, so I started finding local bars that allowed cigar smoking. It was there I began building new relationships—both locally and nationally—many of which have become lifelong friendships. I supported Memphis’ local brick-and-mortar cigar shops then and still do to this day. My passion for cigars inspired me to create a platform that would connect cigar smokers, new enthusiasts, and cigar shops across the city.
In 2010, I launched a Facebook page called The Cigar Crew. Why that name? Because to me, “the crew” represents the Brothers and Sisters of the Leaf—no matter where you’re from or what you do, we all share the same love for the leaf. At that time, it was one of the only Facebook pages solely dedicated to cigar culture.
What started in Memphis spread across the country—to cities like Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago—resulting in 15 Cigar Crew groups nationwide and one international chapter. The Cigar Crew became a hub for brick-and-mortar shops to promote themselves, and for people to discover and engage with the cigar culture in their communities, especially here in Memphis.
Fast forward to 2020—though we had built a strong community, I still felt like there was more to be done. People would suggest I open a cigar lounge (I usually laughed it off), but I was more interested in celebrating the culture. One day, during a Facebook Live on The Cigar Crew page, I was talking with a good friend about doing an event for the city, and out of nowhere, the words just came out: “Let’s create the Cigar & Whiskey BBQ Festival.” It was spontaneous and organic—but it felt right. First Saturday in May we decided to hold the Cigar and Whiskey BBQ Festival. Now this year 5 and yes we are still rockin!
Why cigars? That’s easy—it’s my passion and my mission to support local shops and introduce people to new cigar brands and brand owners. I also wanted people to recognize Memphis as a Top-Tier Cigar City.
Why whiskey? Tennessee is home to some of the best whiskey in the world. And let’s be honest—whiskey and cigars go hand-in-hand.
Why barbecue? Because this is Memphis—barbecue is part of our soul. I thought, “Why not create something that blends all three of these southern staples?” Just like cigars are made of three parts—wrapper, filler, and binder—I wanted this festival to be built on three core elements: cigars, whiskey, and barbecue.
The Cigar & Whiskey BBQ Festival became a platform to showcase and celebrate the Memphis cigar community. It has grown into a national event, drawing attendees from across the country. It also offers a spotlight for new spirits—including whiskey, tequila, and vodka—vendors, food trucks, and of course, a barbecue challenge that brings out the best grill masters Memphis has to offer.
I’m proud to say the cigar community in Memphis continues to thrive, with new shops opening and a growing embrace of cigar culture. It’s been a privilege to be part of that growth—alongside shop owners, clubs, bloggers, podcasters, and the broader community.
If you’d told that 30 years ago a 19-year-old college sophomore, turning green from his first puff, that cigars would one day become a central and beautiful part of his life—I’m not sure he would’ve believed you. But here I am, still passionate, still learning, and creating new avenues to support the cigar culture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like anything you do there will be challenges. Such as other events plan on your event date, weather, participation,, promoting the event, finding the right location to host the Festival. Those challenges pushes hard at you but learn to accept the challenge so you can push through those roablocks.
My Fraternity brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. told me long ago Achievement is a challenge but an Achievement can be executed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Truly I don’t see the festival as a job, it more non-stop rollercoaster which ride I’m enjoying because it’s my passion. I’m blessed to be apart ofcultivating the cigar community and that hope the festival will stand on its own for years.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m very optimistic about growth, of the Cigar and Whiskey BBQ Festival. I see the festival being apart of the Memphis community for years. II’m an engineer by trade and strong believer in continuous improvements.
I’m always looking to
improve the process and at the end of the day I want this Festival to grow and run smoothly like as a process flow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cigarcrewfounder
