OUR
STORY

The history of Casa Petrides is a remarkable multi-generational story rooted in a passion for fine tobacco, spanning continents and decades.

It all began in 1905 in the bustling heart of downtown Mexico City on Madero Street, when my great-grandfather established the original Casa Petrides tobacco shop. My grandfather, Demetrio, carried the tradition forward, followed by my father, Alfonso, who continued the family legacy.

In 1977, seeking new opportunities, my father relocated our family to McAllen, Texas, purchasing a store called The Wooden Indian from his friend John Milton (a connection built through prior business dealings importing merchandise to Mexico). The original Casa Petrides in Mexico City continued until around 1982, when it closed.

In 1983, my father revived the name by opening Casa Petrides in McAllen’s La Plaza Mall, where I began working alongside him while finishing high school and attending Pan American University. We operated there for about 10 years until mall policies no longer permitted cigar shops.

From 1993 to around 2001–2002, we moved downtown McAllen, starting at 306 North Broadway and later expanding to a larger space at 2222 South Broadway. This location introduced tables, a bigger humidor, sodas, and the seeds of what would become our welcoming lounge atmosphere.

In 1999, when the Dove Avenue shopping center was under development, I seized the chance to build our current home at 735 W Dove Ave. Starting small—with a modest bar seating just 6–8 people and a cozy lounge—the space grew as demand surged. We expanded by acquiring the adjacent unit, adding a walk-in cooler, and now proudly offer 50 beers on draft, dozens more in bottles, wine, and a BYOB option (with a small corkage fee—no liquor on-site).

Today, after more than 27 years at this location (celebrating our anniversary on October 31st), Casa Petrides remains a family-owned haven in the Rio Grande Valley. We’re McAllen’s go-to spot for premium cigars, pipe tobacco and accessories (one of the few true full-service cigar and pipe shops in the area), knowledgeable staff who guide newcomers through flavor profiles, monthly cigar events, 7 TVs for sports, music requests via AMI, and a relaxed environment where doctors, businessmen, and enthusiasts gather to unwind—whether working on a laptop in the morning or enjoying the evening crowd.

We love introducing the younger generation to cigars, teaching about blends and tastes, and building lasting relationships. Bring your own food from nearby spots like Pizza Hut or New York Deli, pair it with a smoke, and make yourself at home. Casa Petrides isn’t just a shop—it’s a tradition of hospitality, quality, and community that welcomes you through our doors.

Come visit us at 735 W Dove Ave, McAllen, TX—where history meets great company and an exceptional smoke.