New Culinary Delight Opens in Greenville: Community Canteen
Greenville residents have something new to celebrate as Community Canteen, a vibrant eatery featuring a mix of Asian and European cuisines, officially opened its doors last month. Located at 109 W. Stone Ave., which was formerly home to World Piece Pizza, this restaurant promises a unique dining experience for everyone.
A Culinary Dream Team
Two passionate restauranteurs, Harald Schmidt and Cheng Yap, have come together to create this fresh dining concept. Schmidt is no stranger to the local scene, having previously operated Prost! at Gather GVL, while Yap comes from the Murasaki Group. Together, these two have harnessed their expertise to give Greenville a taste of both Asia and Europe in one cozy location.
An Innovative Layout
Community Canteen spans an impressive 4,000 square feet, split into two distinct dining areas connected by stylish sliding doors. The Asian side caters to about 60 guests and features a casual atmosphere with booths, three televisions, and the convenience of kiosk ordering. Meanwhile, the European side boasts a more sophisticated vibe and can comfortably seat around 40 patrons.
A Visual Feast
One striking feature of the restaurant is a vibrant mural above the sushi bar, painted by local artist Christina Leach. The mural showcases a glass of wine and various dishes like sushi rolls and ramen, perfectly setting the tone for the diverse menu ahead.
A Taste for Everyone
Guests can indulge in a wide array of dishes on both sides of the menu. The Asian offering includes tantalizing tataki, Malaysian-style ramen, fresh sushi rolls, and sizzling hibachi dishes. The European side, on the other hand, brings traditional German flavors to the table with favorites such as jägerschnitzel and spätzle.
Drink Up
What’s a meal without a drink? The European side also features a full-service bar that seats 10. Patrons can choose from a selection of libations including saki, Pernod, Spanish vermouth, and German schnapps. And if cocktails are more your style, expect to find classics like Sazeracs, mimosas, and refreshing sangria on the menu.
Building Community
Schmidt is committed to letting Community Canteen serve as more than just a restaurant. “This is designed to embrace the community,” he said. “There are community tables available where diners can meet and mingle, and we’re already seeing some guests return as regulars.”
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Schmidt mentioned plans to team up with delivery services like Door Dash and Uber Eats to broaden their reach. He believes that Community Canteen can grow alongside the developing neighborhood filled with new constructions, including neighboring establishments like Moe’s Original BBQ and Liability Brewery.
Join the Celebration
If you’re in the area, be sure to swing by Community Canteen to indulge in the mouthwatering flavors that are sure to make every meal enjoyable. Schmidt emphasizes that their main goal is simple: “If someone walks out with a smile, then mission accomplished!”
With a refreshing combination of cultures and flavors, Community Canteen is undoubtedly set to become a local favorite in Greenville. Whether you’re in the mood for some comforting ramen or hoping to savor a plate of hearty schnitzel, this new spot is a must-visit!
