Greenville’s Nightlife Set to Thrive with Board Approvals for New Venues

Exciting Developments in Greenville’s Nightlife Scene

On a cheerful October evening, Greenville welcomed back its Board of Zoning Appeals after a five-month hiatus. The board gathered on October 10th to discuss several special exception applications that promise to bring some exciting changes to the city’s nightlife. Let’s dive into what happened during this lively meeting.

Rey’s Expansion Approval

First up was a special exception permit for Rey’s, a popular bar and restaurant situated at 20 N. Main St. Since opening its doors in 2009, this bustling establishment has been a staple in Greenville and has operated after midnight for years. However, this application focused specifically on expanding their operations to the second floor, a space that previously housed The Cigar Experience.

Surprisingly, there were no comments from the public either in support or against the expansion. After a careful review, the board granted Rey’s the green light to expand its operations upstairs. This development seems like a win-win for both the business and local nightlife enthusiasts eager for more options.

D.J. Rama & The Seratonic Venue Lounge

Next on the agenda was an application from D.J. Rama, who is setting up the Seratonic Venue Lounge at the AC Hotel in Camperdown Plaza. The proposed setting would serve as an indoor music venue, operating until midnight and designed to accommodate up to 6,000 feet of entertainment and recreation space.

During the discussion, John Deck, the general manager of AC Hotel, reassured attendees that despite operating at late hours with live music, the venue is not intended to be a nightclub. “I know the word ‘nightclub’ is kind of dirty,” Deck jested. He clarified that the space aims to be an intimate and sophisticated environment for about 200 guests or fewer. Interestingly, about 80% of the venue will primarily serve hotel functions such as corporate events and weddings. Only 20% of the time, when not reserved for events, will the space function as a music venue, keeping the vibe fresh and lively.

A Thriving Nightlife Landscape

With the board approving the special exception permit for the Seratonic Venue Lounge, the future of Greenville’s nightlife appears bright. In a city that’s been buzzing with energy, these new additions offer a variety of entertainment options that cater to different tastes.

Finally, it’s worth noting that this is not the first rodeo for Jessica Kearns, the operator behind the Rey’s expansion, and the earlier application at 245 N. Main St. which was recently approved in May. It’s safe to say that she is paving the way for more vibrant spaces in downtown Greenville.

What’s Next?

As these establishments prepare to elevate the nightlife scene in our town, locals can look forward to enjoying more venues that are not just about late-night dancing but also live music in a sophisticated setting. Greenville seems poised for a lively and entertaining future, pulling residents and visitors alike into its welcoming embrace, ready to experience what the city has to offer.

Stay tuned, Greenville! The boards are rolling, and so is the excitement in our city!