Since 2024 commenced, at least 14 food retail establishments have shut down in Greenville due to various reasons including soaring food costs, staffing difficulties, and even South Carolina liquor liability laws. Restaurants with as much as 30 years of history have seen their business fail or have been forced to restructure. This article provides a list of the closed and relocated food establishments, highlighting the ever-changing landscape of dining and food retail in Greenville.
Greenville Restaurants That Have Closed
Cue the Changes: Rising Liquor Liability Insurance Costs
A Greenville bar has been forced to change due to the increasing strain from liquor liability insurance costs. Moreover, some prominent food retail establishments have also closed as outlined below:
The Seafood Spot – 219 W. Antrim Dr., Suite C
Famed for its low country-style seafood, The Seafood Spot closed down on January 1, 2024, citing “many challenges”.
Growler Haus – 12 Lois Ave., West Greenville
The fourth Upstate location of Growler Haus, situated at 12 Lois Ave., closed down in late December 2023. The only remaining location of this establishment is in the heart of downtown Anderson.
Woodside Bistro – 1 E. Main St.
The Woodside Bistro temporarily closed in mid-June 2024 for restaurant improvements and reopened afterwards. Opening its doors originally in 2021, this establishment serves a variety of local favorites.
Bake Room – 147 Welbourn Ave., The Commons
Closing down on Valentine’s Day 2024, Bake Room was purchased by Methodical Coffee. The pastry recipes from Bake Room have now joined Methodical’s menu.
Tetrad Brewing Company – 603 E. Stone Ave.
In June 2024, Tetrad Brewing Company announced a temporary closure and relocation to an undisclosed location yet to be announced.
Smoke on the Water – 1 Augusta St., Downtown Greenville
After 20 years of downtown dining service, Smoke on the Water announced its relocation to Pelham Road just off Interstate 85 in January 2024 due to rising rent costs.
PDQ Chicken – 3906 Pelham Road
The only South Carolina location of this Florida-based regional chicken franchise closed in February 2024 due to a “difficult business decision”.
Bee Bee’s Drive Through – 1907 Laurens Road
Closed down in mid-January 2024, this mom-and-pop diner served made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, and seafood plates for nearly 30 years before being sold.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – 1025 Woodruff Road, Ste K 101, Magnolia Park
New York-style pizza favorite, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, closed in mid-June 2024. Grimaldi’s coal-fired, brick-oven-style pizza remains popular in 12 states and one branch in Abu Dhabi.
Reid’s Fine Foods – 1 N. Laurens Road, Downtown
A Charlotte, North Carolina-based upscale grocery, wine, and restaurant, Reid’s Fine Foods closed after nearly three years due to employee retention and a slow start during the COVID-19 pandemic.
K&S Restaurant – 3701 White Horse Road, Welcome
K&S Restaurant announced their closing in February 2024 due to staffing issues and never recovered from the effects of COVID-19.
Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar – 2537 N. Pleasantburg Road, Piney Mountain
The Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar, in service for almost 12 years, closed without notice in June 2024 due to a hot water heater issue and other business complications.
Topside Pool Club – 600 S. Main St., Falls Park
The members-only swim club, bar, and limited-food menu-based venue closed in May 2024 due to increasing liquor liability laws and insurance costs.
Blind Horse Saloon – 1035 Lowndes Hill Road, Downtown Airport District
An iconic lounge and bar, Blind Horse Saloon closed abruptly in May 2024 after an operation spanning 29 years due to rising liquor liability laws and insurance costs.
The health of Greenville’s food retail establishment scene continues to be under significant pressure from numerous fronts, with the potential risks of high operation costs and changing liability laws demonstrating a need for proactive planning and solid resilience plans.
