Purchase of The Charles the Great Building

While many companies were going out of business due to the Cuban embargo, the Fuente companies were thriving. Carlos had taken many risks and they had paid off. In 1965, he purchased The Charles the Great Building on 22nd Street in Ybor City to support the growth of the company.

People were offering thousands of dollars for the tobacco that Carlos had purchased in Cuba, but he declined their offers. He knew that he had bought the brand some time and planned to better position the company in the industry. When the Cuban tobacco ran out, Carlos had a game plan. In 1966, Flor de Orlando was released by A. Fuente & Company and was the first handmade cigar that did not include Cuban tobacco. By this time the Arturo Fuente name was well recognized in the industry and cigar smokers trusted the quality and craftsmanship of their products.