New business makes downtown Rusk home

You don’t have to go to the next town, to go Underground.

UnderGround Vapor Lounge is the newest business to set up shop in downtown Rusk.

The shop, located at 193 S. Henderson St., in Rusk, held a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, March 27, with the Rusk Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re so pleased they’ve become part of our downtown family,
Chamber Manager Tara Tatarski said during the event.

The shop features vaping apparatuses and accessories, more than 75 flavors of juices, apparel, collectibles and even vape bling.

“We’re very pleased to be able to offer people a much healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes,” shop co-owner Elizabeth Pharis said. “I quit smoking nine years ago, as of Feb. 2,2010, and I’m now down to zero nicotine in my vape.

“It’s because of vaping I’ve been able to kick the cigarette and nicotine habit. It helped me greatly, and it can help anyone else looking to stop smoking safely.”

During the venue’s grand opening event, they offered barbecue sandwich dinners, from All Star BBQ in Rusk. Proceeds of sandwich sales benefited the Tree of Promise in Rusk.

UnderGround Vapor Lounge is a family-owned and operated establishments and boasts a knowledgable staff.

“We’re from Rusk and are very excited to serve our hometown,” shop Rusk representative Joseph Pharis said. “This is a dream come true -- something our whole family can take a part in, as they want to.”

Kendall Pharis, another shop operator agreed.

“We’re very happy to be downtown, and to be serving our friends and neighbors,” she said. “Who wants to have to drive to Jacksonville just for supplies?

“Anyone interested in learning more about the pros of vaping as a way to help kick smoking, are welcome to come see us.”