As is the way of all things in life, there are different times for different seasons. Ebbs and flows in the experiences we share together and open doors for both our “yes’s” and our “no’s.”
There is never an easy way to start an announcement like this, but we wanted to be the first to let you know that for us here at Old Oak Tobacco Outpost, the seasons are calling for change. It has been one of our greatest joys to serve you and build a culture of camaraderie and family at our Wyndhurst location here in Lynchburg.
What started as a tiny seed of a dream some years ago, has grown in various capacities through the journey. From City Place to William Alexander Tobacconist and now Old Oak, we’ve seen the sun shine brightly on many days, but we’ve also experienced heavy rains and drought. Just like nature, there are moments that remind you in business that the planting and growing season is over and it’s time for the harvest and an understanding that the sunsets do eventually come at the end of the finished season.
It is with a sad, yet grateful heart that we announce the closing of our brick-and-mortar location as Old Oak as of July 31, 2024. To say that we have been changed by the experience and each of you we’ve met and interacted with over these years would be an understatement. We’ve poured the best of what we’ve had of our intentions, our talents, our investments, and our dreams into building what we hope has been a place of joy and respite for each of you as well. The moments and stories shared, the events, and the friendships built here are something we treasure and will hold onto always.
Old Oak Tobacco Outpost will not cease to exist in totality, but we will be moving our focus to our tent events, festival appearances, and ongoing humidor partnerships with local businesses and golf courses in the area as we seek to find ways to continue our passion for the cigar community, while also meeting the immediate needs of our family at this time.
As of August 1, 2024, ownership of the Wyndhurst lounge location and additional members lounge space above will be turned over to our friends at Pap’s Cigar, Co. Rick Smith and Roger Ott have been friends and supporters of ours in this industry for years now, and we of them. We are grateful for the advice received through the years, the friendly support, and ultimately for the genuine desire for the success of this cigar community here in Lynchburg and the surrounding area.
We have the utmost confidence that they will continue the legacy of love for cigars and the culture of family that Old Oak has desired to create here at the Wyndhurst space and we are rooting for their continued success as this “changing of the guard” occurs. They bring seasoned wisdom of the industry and a passion for bringing you the best cigars, events, and experience possible. We will continue to support them in our patronage and our sideline cheering as this new season unfolds. Please join us in welcoming them with open arms as they expand their business here.
It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway!) — while our hearts are sad, they are also full because of each of you and the lessons we’ve learned in this process of serving this community in this capacity. Each face, each name, each cigar smoked along the way has told the story of our amazing community and something that not many outside the cigar industry understand; more than just a community, it’s a family and an abiding connection regardless of background, race, or creed.
The sun is setting on this season for us, but we can’t wait to see what is ahead! The harvest of friendships and memories we take with us as we move on to the next chapter will continue to bring us great joy as we reminisce on what has been a truly amazing experience.
On behalf of Old Oak Tobacco Outpost, thank you for allowing us the honor of serving you these past 8 years in this location and to our friends at Pap’s Cigar, Co., we pass the torch lighter, raise our glasses of our best bourbon, and wish you every success going forward! Cheers to good times, good friends, and good cigars.
May your seasons always be fruitful.
With love and gratitude,
Mike and Kate Justice
