Vortex Vapor Lounge In Barnegat Looks To Provide A Space To Relax

BARNEGAT, NJ — Vaping has raised health concerns nationwide. But for Vortex Vapor Lounge owner Chris McCabe, vaping is personal. Electronic vaping helped him quit cigarettes in 2014.

The Vortex Vapor Lounge is a vapor flavor tasting bar and lounge located at 849 W. Bay Ave. in Barnegat. The lounge opened on Aug. 1 and held an official grand opening celebration on Aug. 23.

The lounge concept is a place where people can come meet with friends and other people. If they do not have what a customer needs, they will get it with no deposit needed, according to McCabe.

The lounge opened just as federal and state officials have issued alerts about vaping usage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an advisory last week following a spike in illnesses. As of last week, there were 215 possible cases from 25 states of lung disease which may be tied to vaping.

Two weeks ago, the New Jersey Department of Health sent a statewide health alert to health care providers and local health departments following recent reports of severe lung disease in people who have used vaping products. Read more: Statewide Health Alert For Vaping After 9 In NJ Get Sick

But McCabe believes in ensuring his customers are informed before purchasing. The lounge also has a strict age requirement at 21. Customers who appear to be under 21 are carded, McCabe said.

The idea for the lounge started when McCabe quit smoking cigarettes in January 2014. He attributes vaping for his success in quitting. After a week of showing his wife he can quit, she joined in on the journey to quit cigarettes.

McCabe said he always wanted to own his own business and told himself two years ago he would escape the corporate environment.

"I told myself if something ever opened up in the Gunning River Mall, due to it's great location, a vape lounge would be perfect there," McCabe said.

When he saw the unit in the Gunning River Mall for sale, McCabe knew he had to make good on his word.

According to McCabe, business has been very good and he has big plans for the future.

"I would like to expand this well-thought-out vape lounge concept," McCabe said.

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