Founders Story – from Austrian Cigar Makers to Boston Business

Cigars and tobacco have been a part of our family for generations, dating back before the 1900’s. Our ancestors were cigar makers in Austria who then immigrated to the United States, and eventually settled in Malden, a small city just north of Boston. This is where our family patriarch would eventually sow the foundations for what would become Pleasant Smoke Shop.

John Strauss was a truck driver by trade, but dreamed one day to have business of his own. By chance, he was able to buy the outstanding debt on a newsstand on one of Malden’s busiest streets, Pleasant Street. With that payment, and a handshake lease agreement, Pleasant Smoke Shop was created.

We're a 3rd Generation Retail Tobacco Store, Since 1982

Fast forward two generations. Steve, with the assistance of his wife, Debbie, and son, Jonathan, operate our thriving company. Three generations bringing you “out of this world selection & down to earth prices.”

We hope you enjoy shopping with us.