Controversial smoke shop gets new owner, rebrand

Tubular Tokes, a smoke shop in the Grand Central District, is under new ownership. The establishment has a complex history, particularly due to its former owner. 

Skylar Strickland was not only known for rude behavior towards customers – some called him the “vape Nazi,” a reference to a famous episode of Seinfeld – but several arrests for battery.  

Sheetal Shahabuddin and her sister, Shilpa Mawani are ready to give the store a new beginning. It is now known as Hits & Munchies. They acquired the business at 2428 Central Avenue Dec. 15. 

“Whatever happened in the past, we have to leave it in the past and we need to move forward,” Shahabuddin said. “We’re not tolerating disrespect any more.” 

The sisters own other smoke shops in Tampa. When they found out Strickland was selling his business, they saw an opportunity to enter the St. Petersburg market. 

Shahabuddin and Mawani were attracted to the “urban” aspect of the city. After doing research on the area, they decided it was the right business decision. 

The store is 1980s-inspired and features decorations such as neon signs. This theme will remain, she added. They are planning to give the shop a “fresh look” and reorganize it. 

Remodeling is still underway. 

The 1980s theme of Hits & Munchies will remain, according to new co-owner Sheetal Shahabuddin.

Prices will not change, Shahabuddin said. Additionally, the sisters will continue the store’s loyalty program. 

Strickland’s reputation had consequences, she added. Customers chose to shop at other stores. In the past few weeks since taking ownership, she has already noticed a change. 

“We’re getting back some of those customers who boycotted him,” Shahabuddin explained. “We’re already seeing people coming in saying ‘I stopped coming to this store because of Skylar.’” 

Additionally, she said, some of Strickland’s employees were known for rude interactions as well. Shahabuddin and Mawani have chosen to keep two previous workers, after speaking with regular customers, and hire two new ones. 

“All our employees know that we have to be more respectful to customers that are coming in and spending their time and money.” 

Shahabuddin added that she has had limited interaction with Strickland since taking over the business.