“J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR CO. – COLUMBIA RESTAURANT BUFFET” – Tampa

Activity Level: 3

J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the last operating cigar factory in Tampa, FL. When it was built in 1910, El Reloj was the largest and finest cigar factory in the world.  Of Tampa’s 150 cigar factories, El Reloj is the last one still operating.  El Reloj is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Ybor City National Historic Landmark District.

The 75-minute guided factory tour is a top to bottom exploration of El Reloj. This tour takes guests through the process of cigar making both by hand and on antique cigar machines, the Newman family legacy, the history of Cigar City, and much more. Three stories high, and one city-block long, this historic cigar factory will please cigar enthusiasts, history buffs, and those with interests in manufacturing and technology. Visiting El Reloj today is like walking back in time. 

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. to Craft Official America250 Cigars in Celebration of the Nation’s Semiquincentennial

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has announced a historic collaboration with America250, the official organization overseeing the nation’s Semiquincentennial commemoration. Beginning next month, cigars hand-rolled at J.C. Newman’s legendary El Reloj factory in Tampa, Florida, will bear the official America250 seal — marking them as the official cigars of America’s 250th anniversary.

THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT

Founded in Tampa’s historic Ybor City in 1905, by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., the Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant, and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Family-owned and operated for more than 114 years, the restaurant has earned acclaim for old-world charm as well as for its award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine and wine list.

LUNCH BUFFET INCLUDED

Cuban bread and butter

Salad: Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad® Crisp iceberg lettuce with julienne of baked ham, natural Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, grated romano cheese and our famous garlic dressing.

Boliche “Criollo” Roasted eye round of beef stuffed with chorizo and roasted in a flavorful gravy.

Arroz con Pollo Chicken baked with yellow rice, green peppers, Spanish onions, tomatoes, white wine, and virgin olive oil. Topped with green peas and pimentos

Accompaniments: Seasonal Fresh Vegetables • Black Beans

Dessert: Dulce de Leche chocolate cake

Your meal includes fresh-brewed coffee, iced tea and soft drinks

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