april 25, 2026 | El Reloj Cigar Factory
Family Friendly Event Featuring:
- Free Tours of our El Reloj Cigar Factory
- Cuban sandwich eating challenge – featuring 11 time Nathans’ Hot Dog Eating Contest Champion Miki Sudo and the last 2 years Cuban Sandwich Challenge reigning champion Nick Wehry, also know as The Hungry Couple in an exciting competition alongside local Tampa celebrities Tom Pestock and Ana G Tovar
- Family fun activities – enjoy live music, lawn games, and Mosi Children’s science experiments
- Meet the Misfits of Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary Chicken and Rooster
- 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
- Station House BBQ
- Craving Donuts
- Tampa Bay Sun
- Visit Tampa Bay
- USF
- MOSI
- Centro Asturiano de Tampa
- Exclusive cigar deals – purchase our Sanchez y Haya cigars for just $0.05 each (limit 2 per person) with any $20 purchase.
- 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 sixth annual ‘Founder’s Day’ celebration at its historic cigar factory, El Reloj, in Tampa, FL.
On Saturday, April 25th 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. We will have plenty of the Sanchez y Haya cigars available for purchase all day long!
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!
3rd annual Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge
The competition returns to Founder’s Day 2026—but this year, we’re raising the stakes.
After back-to-back victories by competitive eating champion Nick Wehry, the Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge is evolving into an all-new team showdown. For the first time ever, it’s Team Miki vs. Team Nick in an eight-minute battle for Cuban sandwich supremacy.
Leading the charge for Team Miki is world champion competitive eater Miki Sudo, joined by professional wrestler Tom Pestock. Together, they’re determined to stop Nick’s winning streak and claim the title.
On the other side, Team Nick is ready to defend the crown. Two-time champion Nick Wehry returns with competitive spirit and a serious appetite, teaming up with Tampa personality Ana Tovar to keep the trophy on their side.
With bragging rights on the line and the crowd cheering them on, expect a high-energy, fast-paced eating frenzy as these teams go head-to-head to devour as many Cuban sandwiches as possible in just eight minutes.
Cuban sandwiches will once again be prepared by Ybor City favorite Bread on the Bay Sandwicheria.
Additional team members may join the lineup, so stay tuned as the rivalry continues to grow. One thing is certain—this year’s challenge will be the most exciting yet.
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!
2025 Founder's day gallery
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 eleventh title on July 4, 2025 with 33 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. Nick has won the past two title belts for our Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge.
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 son Max and American Bully, Dennis.
Couple’s Record-88 Hot Dogs in 10 Minutes!