In 1895 Angel L. Cuesta joined with Peregrino Rey to form Cuesta-Rey and Company. Eventually they became one of the largest factories in Tampa.
Brands: Ducal, El Agjula Nacional, El Dedicado, El Rey de Habano, La Flor de Cuesta Rey, San Rita, Platero de Oro, Ponce de Leon and Unica.
In 1914, Cuesta-Rey and Company was named the official Purveyor to the Court of Spain.
At its peak, the company employed over 1000 people.
In September of 1959 Stanford Newman bought the rights to the Cuesta-Rey brand (among others) from Karl Cuesta, A.L. Cuesta’s son, for Newman’s Standard Cigar Company. Currently, Cuesta Rey is rolled by A. Fuente and distributed by J.C. Newman.
The original factory building was damaged by fire and torn down in 1989. Currently, the property is a vacant lot.
Even though the factory is gone, the Cuesta-Rey and Company name played a very important part in the history of Ybor City. Please enjoy the photos of their historic brands and scenes from inside the old factory below.
Photo Gallery (click images for full view)
