Joel Sherman, a prominent figure in the world of cigars and the long-time owner of the Nat Sherman store in New York City, passed away on September 9th at the age of 85 following a prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born on August 2, 1939, Joel began his journey in the family business at a young age, cleaning the original Nat Sherman store on Broadway when he was just 10. In 1963, after completing his education, he joined the company full-time. The business, originally founded by his father Nat Sherman in 1930, became synonymous with luxury tobacco products.
While still in high school, Joel envisioned expanding the store to a more prestigious location. His plan led to several relocations over the years, eventually placing the store on 42nd Street near Grand Central Terminal, a prime location for its clientele.

In 1978, Joel took a break from the family business to run a company called Concord Shear. However, following the death of his father in 1990, he returned to lead Nat Sherman, this time alongside his children, Bill, Larry, and Michele.

Nat Sherman wasn’t just a retail operation; it grew to develop its own line of cigars, becoming a notable name in premium tobacco. Before the Cuban embargo, Nat Sherman was the exclusive U.S. distributor for Cuba’s Bolivar cigars. The company also ventured into cigarette production, gaining prominence in the market. In 2017, Nat Sherman’s success caught the attention of tobacco giant Altria Group Inc., which acquired Sherman Holdings Inc. and its portfolio of high-end cigars and cigarettes.

On September 16, 2020, Nat Sherman’s iconic store, The Townhouse, closed its doors for good. While cigars under the Nat Sherman name are no longer produced, their legacy continues through Ferio Tego, a brand carrying the same beloved blends under new management.

“Few people have the opportunity to make such a lasting impact on so many people’s lives,” said Michael Herklots, a former employee of Sherman’s and now co-owner of Ferio Tego. Though the Nat Sherman name is gone, Herklots and others remain dedicated to preserving its spirit.