On January 18, 2010 John Anderson and Matt Krimm, proprietors of Washington, DC's oldest full service tobacco shop, W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist announced they had completed the purchase of Bethesda Tobacco (4916 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD) from Michael Copperman. The purchase marks Draper's first foray outside the District of Columbia in its 123-year history. It was also announced that Paul Spence, formerly Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Manager with cigar manufacturer CAO International, was named Managing Partner & General Manager of the Bethesda store. Spence brings over 20 years experience in the hospitality and cigar industries to the role. Sale terms were not disclosed.

According to Anderson, "Mike has been a friend and colleague for 15 years. I know how much Bethesda Tobacco and the family of customers means to him. The fact he offered us this opportunity was humbling."

"John and Matt are true tobacconists. I wouldn't entrust Bethesda Tobacco, or its customers, to anyone else," said Copperman.

Founded in 1994 as J.B Sims Fine Tobacco, the shop was renamed Bethesda Tobacco in 2001 when Copperman purchased the shop from founder Bart Sims. With the sale to Anderson, Krimm and Spence the shop will be renamed W. Curtis Draper Bethesda.

A date for the formal grand opening event will be announced shortly. The flagship W. Curtis Draper store (640 14th Street NW) is located steps from the White House in the heart of Downtown DC and draws its clientele from many of the surrounding private and Federal Government office buildings.

Matt Krimm states, "Tobacco enthusiasts are extremely loyal to their shop of choice, but now we can offer everyone an option close to either their home or office. It's the best of both worlds."