Visit from Ricardo Carioni
A Special Guest at ROMAIN: When Cigars Meet Traditional Shaving
At ROMAIN, we’re no strangers to unexpected visits from some incredible people. And, like a well-crafted cigar, the stories behind those visits are often rich with flavor, history, and passion. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming a true luminary from the cigar world—Ricardo Carioni—who, although not a household name for everyone, is nothing short of a legend in his own right.
Ricardo, the Chief Operating Officer at Tor Imports Ltd., the premier importer of New World cigars and related accessories in the United Kingdom, is a man whose resume could fill a book. He’s spent years immersing himself in the world of cigars, even serving as an ambassador for the UK, Ireland, and Iceland in Nicaragua, the heart of cigar culture. He’s a man who knows cigars like few others—so what on earth was he doing walking through the doors of our humble barbershop in Brussels?
A Surprise Visit, Courtesy of Thomas Gryson
Well, this unexpected meeting came about thanks to our ever-passionate partner, Thomas Gryson. Thomas, as many of you know, is no stranger to the world of cigars either. He’s the one who helped us curate our unique cigar corner at ROMAIN, filled with New World selections, and when he called me one afternoon with the news that Ricardo Carioniwas in town and wanted to pay us a visit, I didn’t think much of it. My response was simple: “Everyone’s welcome at ROMAIN.”
Little did I know, I was about to meet someone whose entire life has been devoted to the craft of cigars.
First Impressions: A Passion for Craftsmanship
As Ricardo and Thomas entered the shop, it didn’t take long for Ricardo to notice something extraordinary about our approach. ROMAIN isn’t just any barbershop—it’s a place where tradition meets craftsmanship. Ricardo, with his deep appreciation for fine cigars, was immediately struck by the authenticity of our shop. He had never seen anything quite like our open razors, a method of shaving that’s as old as time itself, yet remains unmatched in its precision and artistry. We shared the story of the open razor with him, proudly explaining the history behind this traditional tool and how we take the time to hone our razors on Belgian natural stone—one of the world’s finest sharpening stones. The history, the precision, the dedication to quality—it was all something Ricardo appreciated deeply.
It was clear that both the world of cigars and the world of traditional grooming are based on the same core values: quality, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Cigar Corner: A Perfect Match for ROMAIN
As our conversation moved to cigars, Ricardo’s eyes lit up. In the back of our shop, we have a curated cigar corner, stocked with a carefully selected range of New World cigars, many of which come from Nicaragua, the heart of cigar culture. Immediately, Ricardo recognized the quality of our collection, particularly our Nicaraguan cigars.
Thomas took the opportunity to explain our vision at ROMAIN—how we blend traditional barbering with a sophisticated cigar selection that appeals to those who appreciate the finer things in life. While many barbershops and cafés of the past often shared a bond with tobacco culture, it’s rare today to find a barbershop that offers such a curated experience. Legal restrictions often stand in the way, but at ROMAIN, we’ve found a way to make it work—thanks in large part to our collaboration with Thomas.
It’s amazing how old crafts like traditional shaving and cigars can still come together, even in today’s fast-paced world. And it’s something we’re proud to showcase at ROMAIN—an experience where craftsmanship and passion are never compromised.
The Dream of Expanding ROMAIN to England
Ricardo, ever the visionary, immediately saw the potential for our concept in the UK. He dreamed of bringing the unique ROMAIN experience—a combination of luxury grooming with the finest cigars—to the whole of England. But as we all know, this isn’t something that can be done easily.
To execute this concept, you need more than just ambition. You need an understanding of precision, a love for cigars, and a commitment to excellence—the same attributes that define the art of open razor shaving. The concept is intentionally slow, meticulously curated, and, by its nature, difficult to scale.
But it’s this deliberate approach that makes what we do at ROMAIN so special. We are not just a barbershop; we are a center of knowledge—a space where men can rediscover the finer things in life. Whether it’s learning the art of the shave, exploring the world of cigars, or appreciating the subtlety of a fine fragrance, we aim to provide a comprehensive experience, all under one roof.
A Brief Yet Meaningful Meeting
Our time with Ricardo was brief but impactful. Despite his impressive resume, Ricardo Carioni is one of the humblest and most down-to-earth individuals I’ve ever met. He shared his knowledge and passion for cigars with us, and it was clear that, like all great artisans, he doesn’t see himself as a “big shot.” He’s a man driven by a love for his craft—whether it’s cigars or fine experiences.
We are grateful for his visit, and for the opportunity to learn from someone who has truly devoted his life to the world of premium cigars.
You’re Always Welcome at ROMAIN
The door at ROMAIN is always open—whether you’re a world-renowned expert like Ricardo or someone new to the world of cigars and grooming. We welcome all guests with the same passion and commitment to excellence that we put into everything we do.
We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve built, and we’re even prouder to offer an experience that’s as authentic as the open razors we use and as rich in tradition as the cigars we smoke.
And as always—whether you’re here for a shave, a cigar, or just a moment to savor the finer things in life—you’ll always find a warm welcome here at ROMAIN.
Stay connected with our journey and future events—follow us, Ricardo, Thomas and Stijn on Instagram to get an inside look at the world of cigars and traditional shaving.
