Exciting New Tapas Restaurant Set to Open in Greenville!
Hey there, Greenville! Big news is coming your way as two culinary friends are set to open a brand new Spanish tapas restaurant, Paseo, at The Commons food hall. Vibes are high, and for good reason: this isn’t just any eatery; it’s a place where friendship, culture, and food come together in a delicious blend.
So, What’s the Buzz About Paseo?
Owners Daniel Lopez and Camilo Franco are super excited to share their vision with the community. The restaurant’s name, Paseo, means “stroll” in Spanish, and the duo is all about creating a casual atmosphere where people can enjoy good bites and a glass of wine while relaxing in a charming environment. Located across from Indigo Kitchen and MooHogz Craft BBQ, Paseo will serve a fantastic range of traditional Spanish tapas. This means from a few bites to shareable dishes, diners can enjoy a custom experience based on their cravings!
The atmosphere of Paseo is designed to catch your eye with a bar that overlooks an open kitchen and seating for up to twelve. Lopez emphasized the importance of the dining experience: “Whatever experience they need, I want our food to create that.”
A Culinary Journey Fueled by Friendship
If you dig into the backstory of Lopez and Franco, you’ll find it deeply rooted in their lifelong love for food. Lopez, who spent his childhood in Barcelona, has been in touch with cooking since he was a kid. His formative years consisted of cooking side by side with his mother and grandmother. Fast forward to today, and Lopez brings a whole lot of passion and experience to the table! After moving to Greenville and recognizing a gap in creative catering, he kicked off Time to Taste catering in 2016, where he dazzled clients with vibrant Spanish dishes, including hearty paellas.
“I think that was kind of a blossoming of a lot of what is happening here, is us cooking together in the kitchen,” Franco notes about their bond. Growing up, Franco was introduced to flavors that celebrate his Cuban and Ecuadorian heritage, and that inspired his love for cooking. Even during his corporate career, he found joy and solace in home-cooked meals amidst his busy schedule.
From Kitchen to Restaurant
Lopez and Franco’s friendship became even tastier with a weekly dinner tradition where they cooked alongside one another for their families. This cozy, collaborative kitchen session led them to realize that they would make a fantastic restaurant team. “We would kill it if we started a restaurant,” Lopez joked—a lightbulb moment that turned to reality when the opportunity at The Commons arose.
Now, they’re combining their talents to bring Greenville a delightful experience. The menu will focus on tapas, featuring classics such as gilda (an olive, anchovy, and vinegared pepper skewer) and pintxo Moruno (grilled chicken skewers seasoned with Moruno spices). There will also be pan con tomate and escalibada, perfect for indulging while sipping on specially curated Spanish wines and sherries.
More Than Just Food
Paseo is also planning future events, including wine tastings and special dinners. Franco emphasizes the value of shared meals, saying, “There’s nothing like having a homecooked meal surrounded by family and friends,” and that’s precisely the spirit they want to capture at the restaurant. They’re committed to breaking down the stuffiness often found in dining and making the experience approachable—where everyone can smile over good food.
Get Ready, Greenville!
So mark your calendars, folks! Paseo is set to open its doors in December at 147 Welborn St., Greenville, with hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. We can’t wait to sit down for some tasty tapas and good company!
Stay updated on the delicious adventures ahead by visiting their website at paseogvl.com and following their journey on social media. It sounds like Paseo is just the kind of local hangout we’ve all been dreaming about!
