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Stixx, a cigar lounge that also serves sushi, is expected to open this summer in the northeast quadrant of downtown after exiting a location on Indiana Avenue.
Steven Phan recently purchased the building previously occupied by Saffron Cafe, 621 Fort Wayne Ave., to be the new home for Stixx.
Phan said the 2,000-square-foot building is a better fit than Stixx’s last spot, the 4,000-square-foot former Bourbon Street Distillery, 361 Indiana Ave.
“That was too big of a space for what we were trying to do,” Phan said of the Indiana Avenue building. “Now we found this nice, cozy building that’s close to Mass Ave.”
Setting up shop three blocks west of Massachusetts Avenue represents a return of sorts for Stixx, which originally was known as Bu Da Lounge when it opened 15 years ago at 421 Massachusetts Ave.
Phan moved the Asian-inspired cigar bar concept to 148 E. Market St. in 2011, and the rebranded Stixx opened on Indiana Avenue in 2017, before closing during the pandemic.
Phan purchased the Fort Wayne Avenue building for $375,000 in May, according to property records.
Pending approval of a liquor license, Stixx is expected to open in mid-August, Phan said.
Saffron Cafe, known for colorful murals on multiple exterior walls, served Moroccan cuisine at 621 Fort Wayne Ave. from 2009 until the restaurant closed in 2022. Before Saffron Cafe, the building was home to the Canary Cafe.
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Is there an urgent need for people to smoke inside?
Well, It’s a cigar bar genius… if you don’t smoke cigars and don’t like smoke then don’t go there.
There is for all the Soprano wannabes….
How much money has this guy spent just moving his business around? 4 moves tell me it’s not raking in the cash…
Wasn’t even aware Saffron Cafe had gone out of business; however, my last experience there in 2021 wasn’t great.
Ant wait to see Bin and the gang at the new location! Great spot!!!
Bu Da Lounge was enjoyable. There are many of more of us who enjoy cigars. Their sushi was outstanding. I look forward to their opening.