Billow appears to be inactive at this point. What's up?

The landlords have posted a "tenant wanted" sign, and the front of the Billow retail space on Market Street has been emptied, and yet depending on who one speaks with, the shop is or isn't closed. Honestly, I don't know the whole story, only that it has the appearance of being finished. Anyone have an update? Please let me know.

Billow Cigar Shop: On the right side of New Albany street grid history.

Billow
October 24 update: My two-way street project and how you can help.

One lovely fall afternoon in downtown New Albany.

I had beer sales-related stops to make in downtown New Albany yesterday, and decided on a coffee before lunch. Quills obliged with its newest creation, Thai No. 5. It's espresso with a twist, and you can read about it here.

Once seemingly cavernous, space at the future Exchange pub + kitchen gradually is being molded into an eatery showcase. The perimeter is being extended westward down Main Street, including the adjacent Feast BBQ, where I had lunch, and JR's Pub a few blocks away.

Speaking of JR's, something you should know: There'll be a benefit held at JR's for Ric Geoghegan on Sunday, November 11, from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. I'm told that Ric, who so many people in New Albany know from his long tenure at Steinert's, is suffering from liver failure. I know we'll all be plotting ways to contribute.

Please join us in gathering Ric & Jojo's family and friends together to raise money to support them during Ric's illness and to support his recovery. We look forward to seeing you there!

Walking back home from JR's, I thought to duck into Billow for porch cigars, which led to a late afternoon interlude with English tea, and a chance meeting with our roving building commissioner, David Brewer, who's doing a fine job indeed.

Think about it: Downtown New Albany's options truly have proliferated in recent years, and perhaps it's too easy at times to focus on what still is needed (a lot) rather than to simply appreciate what we have on a lovely Indian Summer's day.

Billow's got 'em, so smoke one at the new shop's grand opening on Friday.

Echoing my life's theme of being careful what one wishes for, the advent of Billow has complicated my life in a fashion similar to the proliferation of downtown eateries and watering holes, which is to say there are many more places for me to spread my presumed wealth.

I will continue to patronize Kaiser's, in addition to Billow. The latter's proximity to Quills is enticing, and yet periodically a trip over to Hobknobb for espresso is justified. Working harder to earn the cash for habit support poses certain complications in terms of time. I have little cash and no time.  

Let's hope that come fair weather, there'll be some outdoor smoking benches at Billow. In the meantime, the shop is celebrating on Friday:

This Friday is Billow's grand opening, with NABC and Irish Exit lending a hand.

Billow Cigar Shop and Smoking Lounge is having a preview party on Saturday!

Billow Cigar Shop and Smoking Lounge remains completely invisible on the worldwide web, but no matter: Jenna Evers reports that Billow is having a soft opening/preview party on Saturday (December 17) from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Billow is located next to Quills at 137 E. Market Street; it's the former Fair Store, for New Albanians of a certain age.

At Facebook, KG wrote: "I got a sneak peak of Billow's cigar room today...comfy leather seating, burgundy walls, cozy and quiet. Stop by tomorrow and welcome them to New Albany!"

Since the space isn't yet licensed, I'm thinking that bringing the owners a growler might be endearing. I have a crowded first half of Saturday, but will try to stop by in the afternoon.