On Top Of The Town – Reborn City Club Aims For Elevated Dining, Service, Events – With A Personal Touch
Greenville, South Carolina – The City Club of Greenville has a new lease on life with a fresh vision for elevated dining, service, and events. After 40 years of reign, the club, located at One Liberty Square in downtown Greenville, has undergone a significant transformation while keeping its awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“The best thing didn’t change,” says General Manager Kiirsti Heon. “We are a microcosm of the community. We want members to use the club for whatever they want.”
The City Club, founded in 1984 as the Commerce Club, has seen changes in ownership, management, staff, and clientele over the years. In 2021, it closed its doors under then-owner Club Corp., only to be purchased by BNG and reopened in August under its new name. BNG, comprised of Sean Laney, Jim Coyne, and Tim Jarrett, has invested $2.5 million in revitalizing the club, showcasing their commitment to Greenville and its community.
The club aims to cater to a diverse range of interests and needs, offering activities and spaces that appeal to various groups. From finance and real estate events to women’s speaker series, the City Club is continuously evolving to meet the changing demands of its members. They also organize social events, networking opportunities, live music, trivia nights, cooking classes, and wine tastings to foster connections within the community.
The revamped City Club features two dining rooms, a lounge area, workspaces for individuals or small groups, and three large ballrooms that can be divided into six smaller ones. Membership is not required to book a private event, and guests are welcome. Heon hopes to raise awareness about the club’s offerings, reaching out to golf clubs to offer discounted rates and partnering with local transportation services for a seamless dining and entertainment experience.
“We need people to know that we exist,” says Heon. “We have amazing ballrooms and event spaces, literally in the sky. People get up here, and they’re blown away.”
A highlight of the City Club’s transformation is the addition of Executive Chef Addison Stone, previously the executive sous-chef at Coral Greenville. With a commitment to offering a dining experience that surpasses local restaurants, Heon believes that exceptional service is just as crucial as outstanding food.
“Service at a private club is different,” she explains. “We want to create personal connections with our members. We have 500 bosses.”
In addition to catering to individual members, the City Club is also focused on serving the needs of businesses. The club provides space for corporate meetings, business lunches, and client entertainment, offering the convenience of last-minute arrangements and private spaces for professional gatherings.
As COVID-19 impacted businesses globally, private clubs were allowed to remain open. Heon, who relocated from California to Greenville during the pandemic, emphasizes the importance of adapting and embracing change.
“If we don’t adapt, who will our members be in 20 years?” she asks. “That’s the ultimate goal: to keep going for another 40 years.”
The City Club’s revival has been met with great enthusiasm, attracting a membership of over 500 individuals. However, the club aims to grow and attract an additional 1,000 members, ensuring its longevity and continued success.
Heon’s personal journey and dedication to the City Club’s mission epitomize the spirit of embracing new possibilities and taking chances.
“I lost both of my parents in my 20s, and it’s made me who I am. Tomorrow’s not promised, so take a chance,” shares Heon.
With its renewed vision and commitment to exceptional service, the City Club of Greenville aims to continue its legacy as a hub of community connections, fine dining, and memorable events for years to come.