www.mybaycity.com March 30, 2008
Community Article 2479


The Frankenmuth Original Cigar Company is located at 135 S. Franklin in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Owner Keith Boesnecker says - Walk in whenever the Open sign is on!

Frankenmuth's Original Cigar Company Celebrates 10 yr Anniversary

Keith Boesnecker is a walking history book on cigars and tobacco lore.

March 30, 2008
By: Tarah Bailer (989) 284-1887


Here at 135 S. Franklin in Frankenmuth you can pick yourself up a selection of "Fat Rum Cigars." Keith Boesnecker and sister Constance Johnson own and operate the cigar company. In 1998 they re-opened Michigan's only cigar manufacturer in its original location. Known as Factory 623 of State of Michigan, in 1906, patrons would smoke a "stogie" while waiting for the inner urban train.

Keith Boesnecker and sister Constance Johnson own and operate the Frankenmuth Original Cigar Company. Constance attended cigar making classes in Texas while Keith mastered his art in college.
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

Keith is a walking history book and loves to learn and share all the information he has collected throughout the years. The Frankenmuth Original Cigar Company is not only a place to buy a "Fat Rum Cigar" but a place to light one up and enjoy a bit of conversation. Originally owning the Mainstreet Tavern, in Frankenmuth, Keith rolled and sold cigars to his customers. In 1998 he did sell the tavern but not the love of rolling cigars so he moved into the Franken Eck Restaurant which was the original waiting room for the inner urban train. He remained there until the restaurant closed in 2003. Keith decided to move the business into his home where he then became personally known as a "Buckeye", a small producer and manufacturer of tobacco products.

Offering over 21 different flavors of "Fat Rum Cigars," this cigar company is sure to fill your smoking needs. They have cigar flavors from apple to Jack Daniels.
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

Keith and Constance roll 21 different flavors of the "Fat Rum Cigars." They also carry name brand cigars, lighters, pipes and all kinds of interesting cigar tools. "Fat Rum Cigars" range around $3.00 and other cigars from $6.75 to $9.00.

They are open 7 days a week 12:00-5:00 pm or "If the open sign is on," Keith states. Keith enjoys playing the piano and does so at the Black Forest Brewery Thursday-Sunday 5:00-8:00 pm. Music runs pretty heavy in the Boesnecker family. Keith's father was a musician and also played with a family member Marv Herzog. He passed that love on to Keith where he played the piano when he owned the tavern. Keith called himself a "closet piano player" because he didn't like an audience. He recorded himself accidentally and while playing it back to himself he realized, "Geez, no wonder people enjoyed listening to it because I enjoyed listening to it." Publishing a CD in 2003 he describes his music as "Honky Tonk Piano Fat Rum Style"!

Keith Boesnecker moved his business to his home in 2003. He has created a warm and friendly environment for all his customers or better yet, all his friends. Not only is his home historical, Keith's knowledge of cigar and brewery history keeps customers coming back for more!
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

Keith's dream is to eventually start a Brewery and Cigar Museum. Currently he has 3 cigars bought by Mark Brookes, at a garage sale, made in the original cigar company in Frankenmuth in 1906. Keith has carefully brought them back to their full smoking potential and plans on having a large celebration in honor of smoking them. A large party is in the making and details will follow later in the year. If you are first time or regular cigar smoker stop in to the Frankenmuth Original Cigar Company and try one of the "Fat Rum Cigars." Contact them at 989 652-0511 or e-mail at Fatrumcigars@webtv.net

Check out the wide variety of products Keith and Constance have in the shop. You can even "Take a load off if you need to"!
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

Honey Bear will be happy to show you around the store if you can't find what you need. Just don't ask for anything in those hard to reach areas!
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

Lighters, pipes, cigars and magazines - Keith and Constance have a large selection to choose from.
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

Cases and cases of cigars line the walls of Keith's historical home in Frankenmuth. If you like to smoke cigars, this is a place you have to check out.
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

Keith Boesnecker lights one of his "Fat Rum Cigars" on the old fashioned lighter while sister Constance watches. Not only does Keith roll cigars for a living, he also plays the piano at the Black Forest Brewery "Honky Tonk Piano Fat Rum Style"!
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

You can visit 7 days a week from 12:00-5:00 pm or any time the "Open sign is On". Located just off main street in Frankenmuth, you can't miss the only house on Franklin street with the Indian outside!
(MyBayCity Photo by Tarah Bailer)

For More Information on How Your Business Can Get This Kind Of Exposure Contact Tarah Bailer At 989-284-1887. Two Feature Articles With Every Banner Ad Purchase.

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