Our Reclamation
Cultural reclamation is the process through which marginalized groups, particularly Indigenous peoples, seek to recover, revive, and assert their cultural heritage, traditions, and identities that have been suppressed or eroded due to colonization and assimilation policies.
Our Story
Tabako 1941 is a distinctive cigar shop located within the first-of-its-kind Latino market in Cleveland, OH dedicated to reclaiming the pre-Colombian heritage of tobacco and honoring its significance to Indigenous cultures throughout the Americas. Far from a traditional cigar retailer, our shop serves as a cultural center, offering patrons an immersive journey into the rich history, rituals, and reverence surrounding tobacco.
At Tabako 1941, we bring tobacco back to its roots. Our carefully curated selection features cigars and tobacco products that honor ancient practices, paired with educational experiences to deepen appreciation for this sacred plant. Through interactive tastings, storytelling sessions, and heritage displays, we aim to revive the knowledge of tobacco as a meaningful cultural practice, reconnecting our patrons with its original significance.
Whether you are a cigar connoisseur or someone interested in cultural heritage, Tabako 1941 offers an experience that goes beyond commerce, educating and inspiring visitors while celebrating the powerful legacy of tobacco as an Indigenous practice. Our mission is not only to sell quality products but to foster a respectful, inclusive space that honors and celebrates the diverse history of tobacco across the Americas.
Meet the Founder
Nick De Leon
Chief Executive Officer
Nick De Leon, founder of Tabako 1491, has spent 25 years cultivating a deep appreciation for the art of cigar smoking. His journey began at age 17, when he received his first Dominican cigar as a gift. Since then, Nick has explored hundreds of cigars and visited countless lounges across the country, immersing himself in the rich culture and craftsmanship of this time-honored tradition.
But for Nick, cigars are more than a luxury—they are a gateway to his Indigenous heritage. Through years of study and reflection, he uncovered the sacred and spiritual significance tobacco holds in Indigenous cultures, an aspect often overlooked in modern cigar communities. This revelation ignited his passion to bridge the gap between the past and present, creating a space where the cultural origins of tobacco could be celebrated and preserved for future generations.
With Tabako 1491, Nick brings his vision to life: a space that honors the sacred roots of tobacco, educates and inspires its patrons, and fosters a community grounded in respect and appreciation for the powerful legacy of this ancient practice.