Fife Free Press Articl

 This is a great article that was written by Demi

Glidden of the Fife Free Press. 

Published on Fri, January 28, 2011

Friendly Service

By Demi Glidden

FIFEFREEPRESS.COM

Photo By Demi Glidden

Sandy Gilley and Chuck Bertrand of Tobacco Joe's South take pride in their "roll-your-own' machine, which rolls 200 cigarettes in eight minutes.

Tucked inside the Poodle Dog complex resides a small but exceedingly friendly little tobacco shop. And it could save smokers a chunk of cash. Owned by Sandy Gilley and Chuck Bertrand, Tobacco Joe’s South is a roll-your-own cigarette business complete with a self-service rolling machine that pumps out 200 cigarettes in eight minutes.

The roll-your-own cigarette idea originated in the Midwest and has spread like wildfire throughout the south and east coast. Gilley first heard about the sensation through a friend from work. Owners argue one of the most attractive aspects of a “roll your own” model is that the products are very minimally taxed. Manufactured cigarettes are heavily taxed on federal and state levels, Bertrand said. “These taxes are regressive and only draw from the low income and elderly,” Bertrand said.

Roll-your-own cigarettes weigh less, tax-wise, compared to manufactured styles, he said. This keeps prices low for customers. A box of cigarettes can cost anywhere from $55-$75, but Tobacco Joe’s South offers 200 cigarettes for $32.95. But, don’t confuse low price with low quality.

Tobacco Joe’s offers chemical free Kentucky Select pipe tobacco, which is essentially a high-grade cigarette tobacco, owners said. In addition, the shop offers traditional paper tubing, which has fewer chemicals than manufactured tubes, Gilley said.

What sets Tobacco Joe’s apart from others cigarette shops is the customer service and comfortable surroundings. With two couches and big television, the shop has a nice relaxed atmosphere.

Soon, they hope to be offer lighters, ashtrays, brand name cigarettes and cigars. They also plan to keep all business on an appointment-based model. In the meantime, the owners said they are focused on their relationship with the customer and they hope to create friendships. So far, the city of Fife has been very welcoming and accommodating. “I think it has been a really good reception.” Gilley said.

The grand opening for the novelty tobacco shop is Feb. 1.