War Hero Norman Hooten Visits Recently Expanded Corona Cigar
Marshall S. Swanson 
In early February, Corona locations hosted Norman Hooten, a member of the Task Force Ranger operation in Mogadishu, Somolia. Corona sponsored the meet and greet as part of a promotion of for his cigar brand. Cigar afficiandos were thrilled to meet the the former Delta Force member as they puffed away at their Hooten Young smokes. Victor Lopez, an Army veteran and Corona employee, said he was honored to meet Hooten: "I still can't believe I ws able to meet Norman Hooten. The man is a living legend immortalized in the movie Black Hawk Down..... As a soldier who was further motivated as a boy to serve by watching this movie, it was truly and honor to get to know him."
Hooten's brand also includes Whisky products and may be purchased at Corona locations as well as at his website: Premium Cigars and Whiskey Products | Hooten Young. Corona frequently features special guests and recently hosted Rocky Patel in December of last year.
In January, Corona Cigar underwent an expansion of the Dr. Phillips location under the watchful eye of builder Ray Coudriet. A labor of love, Coudriet considers the lounge his second home. The space allowed for more high top tables to be added and increased capacity in the age of social distancing. Cigar lovers may now enjoy greater leg room and a larger TV screen in the lounge area. The furniture scheme will remain the same for the time being.
The cigar lounge added revamped and expanded restrooms in addition to the new added square footage.
