The West Tampa Tobacco Company was founded in 1953 by Rick Rodriguez's grandparents, two master cigar rollers from Havana. They decided to leave Cuba and settle in West Tampa, Florida, to take advantage of the booming cigar industry in the region.

Rick Rodriguez, the grandson of the founding couple, inherited their passion for tobacco and became a full-fledged master cigar maker. After studying under renowned figures in the cigar industry, Rick ultimately chose to produce his cigars at the Garmendia Cigars Co. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Today, West Tampa cigars are recognized for their quality and unique flavor, and are highly appreciated by cigar enthusiasts around the world.