Tell us a little about your business. – Capital Cigar Lounge (capitalcigar.com) is a locally owned cigar and cocktail lounge. Our goal is to give our guests exceptional service and premium offers that they cannot get elsewhere. We strive to make guests feel like they’re on a mini vacation where they don’t need to get up at all. The only thing they need to do is be comfortable and relax.

How did you get started in the business? – I got started at Capital Cigar Lounge because of Tony Goins. I met Tony while I was bartending at the Country Club of Lincoln, and we hit it off instantly. I left the club about a year later and Tony reached back out to me in 2025 and asked if I would like to help out at Capital Cigar Lounge.

Tell us a little about your family. – I am the younger of two brothers and come from a hardworking family. My mother has been a steady source of support and guidance, someone I can rely on through every stage of life. Losing my father as a teenager gave me a deeper perspective on resilience and responsibility at an early age, and it greatly influenced the way I approach both life and relationships. At home, I share my apartment with my four-year-old tortoiseshell cat, Imani, who always keeps things entertaining.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to spend time outdoors, so I would be at a lake with friends or playing basketball. I like to take my cat on nature walks too. She loves to go outside. I have a harness for her and a cat backpack carrier.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife focusing in Conservation Biology and Zoo Animal Care. It’s unique because I had the opportunity to study abroad in Namibia, Africa for about a month. We travelled the whole country, went on safaris, chatted with locals, visited indigenous tribes, explored the Namib Desert and hiked.

Who inspires you? – My mom is the most inspirational person in my life.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Alright” or “Man at the Garden” by Kendrick Lamar.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Ecological telepathy. I would have the ability to perceive the emotional and biological state of people and ecosystems, then influence healing and harmony across both.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I would love to be able to sing.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Acting/modeling or becoming a famous wildlife researcher/photographer.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Malone Community Center. I like their mission to help bring the community together and guide our next generation on the correct path through different educational opportunities.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge is one of my favorite for sure. M & J’s Southern Style Foods is another fantastic local spot.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – They can email me at sam@capitalcigar.com. They could also call the lounge or stop in to see me!