New Smoke Shop Opens

Fadel Ghanem is the small-business man you want to buy from: He keeps his store clean, greets customers with a smile and always sells them what they want.

On a sunny June afternoon, he asks: Anything you need today?

The winning number, says a woman buying a lottery ticket.

OK, Ghanem tries to always sell them what they want.

In early May, Ghanem opened his new business, the Capistrano Smoke Shop—one of the newest places in San Juan for those who want to try their luck at picking lucky Mega Millions numbers, buy a pack of cigs or maybe get a hookah.  

The business is in the Ralphs shopping center next to Bagel Shack.

The shop, open seven days a week, is a small, clean store with smooth wooden floors, white walls and iconic posters featuring TV and movie mafiosi and Marilyn Monroe.

In addition to the usual fare of candy, gum and stuff, the business, which Ghanem calls “a nice little shop,” offers humidor cigars, vaporizers and water pipes.

Ghanem, 30, says the store is not part of some long-term goal. He just wants to make a living.

“I started it because I have to support my family: me and my wife,” Ghanem said.

He runs the business with his wife, Rowida, whom he describes as “a good manager and a good helper."

Ghanem said he’s lived and worked in the city for about five years.

On that same sunny June Friday, a continuous stream of customers trickled into the store.  What are some items that locals seem to buy a lot of? Lottery tickets and flavored tobacco, Ghanem said.

“We love San Juan,” he said in between helping customers. “We know a lot of people. People know us.

Why should locals check out the store?

“We have good products and good selection,” Ghanem said.

Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. For more information, visit capistranosmokeshop.com or call 949-485-4036.

And if you’re a smoker, here’s a link to a Penny Saver coupon for the store.