may 3rd, 2025 | El Reloj Cigar Factory
Family Friendly Event Featuring:
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Free Tours of our El Reloj Cigar Factory
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Cuban sandwich eating challenge – featuring 10 time Nathans’ Hot Dog Eating Contest Champion Miki Sudo and last years Cuban Sandwich Challenge reigning champion Nick Wehry, also know as The Hungry Couple in an exciting competition.
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Family fun activities – enjoy live music, lawn games, and Mosi Children’s science experiments
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Meet the Misfits of Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary Chicken and Rooster
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Local Food Trucks and Stands – – a variety of local vendors will be on-site throughout the day.
- Bread on the Bay Cuban Sandwiches
- Los Chapos Tacos
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Exclusive cigar deals – purchase our Sanchez y Haya cigars for just $0.05 each (limit 2 per person) with any $20 purchase.
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Designated outdoor smoking lounge – while cigars may be purchased inside, all smoking must take place in our designated outdoor smoking area, where ashtrays will be provided
Join J.C. Newman Cigar Company for its fifth annual ‘Founder’s Day’ celebration at its historic cigar factory, El Reloj, in Tampa, FL.
On Saturday, May 3rd from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., J.C. Newman Cigar Company will celebrate the founding of the company (May 5) and the birthday of its founder (May 26) by opening up the doors to their factory on a Saturday. Visitors can take a free tour of the factory, explore the cigar museum, peruse the factory store, or just celebrate outside by enjoying live music, food trucks, lawn games and more! The event and museum is free and will be open to the public for exploring for the entirety of the day, but we do ask that if you purchase a cigar, you smoke it outside in our designated smoking lounge – ashtrays will be provided! There is no charge for tours during Founder’s Day and all are welcome to join and experience the beauty of El Reloj. We will also be selling Sanchez y Haya cigars, a recreation of Tampa’s first cigar rolled in 1886, for a special throwback price of 5 cents each (limit 2 per person) with any purchase of $20 or more.
J.C. Newman’s main parking lot will be closed for the event but parking will be available and free in the other J.C. Newman owned lots in the El Reloj district. They will be marked with event parking signs. Our security team will be guiding visitors to available lots.
If you have any questions about this event, you can reach us through our Contact Form! We can’t wait to host you as we celebrate the founders of America’s oldest, family-owned, premium cigar maker!
Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge
Get ready for a mouthwatering showdown as competitive eaters Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry gear up to take on esteemed local celebrity Drew Garabo of 102.5 The Bone, and the enthusiastic employees of J.C. Newman Cigar Co. in an epic Cuban sandwich eating challenge. With their unmatched prowess and insatiable appetites, Sudo and Wehry are poised to demonstrate their remarkable eating abilities, while the local heroes and familiar faces from the community are prepared to give them a run for their money. This gastronomic extravaganza isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about setting a record for the most Cuban sandwiches devoured in a thrilling eight-minute frenzy. The Cuban sandwiches are sponsored and made by Bread on the Bay Sandwicheria in Ybor City!
Bread On The Bay Sandwicheria is a small hidden gem in Ybor City with some of the best Latin, Italian, and American classic sandwiches around. Inspired by Chef Pablo Monfort who has cooked all around the world in over 8 different countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Uruguay, Mexico City, Brazil and many more. Chef Pablo has created a diverse flavorful menu that is experienced with only one bite from one of our delicious sandwiches. Come check out their sandwich stand during Founder’s Day for a delicious Cuban Sandwich!
The Hungry Couple
Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry
Miki Sudo holds the women’s world record of 51 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in 10 minutes. Miki won her tenth title on July 4, 2024 with 51 hot dogs and buns eaten.
Nick Wehry also holds various world records such as 50 hard boiled eggs in 3:02 minutes, 188 pistachios in 8 minutes, 223 chicken wings in 10 minutes, and 46 Moon Pies in 8 minutes. He is ranked #4 in the World of Competitve Eating.
When they’re not racking up records on the professional competitive eating circuit or searching for America’s Next Best Food Challenge, The Hungry Couple aids in restaurant promotions and enjoys an active lifestyle in their home state of Florida with their infant son Max and American Bully, Dennis.
Couple’s Record-88 Hot Dogs in 10 Minutes!
2024 Founder's day gallery
