Greenville Bids Farewell to Runway Cafe After 15 Years

News Summary

The Runway Cafe at Greenville Downtown Airport is set to close after 15 years of operation, known for its burgers and family-friendly meals. The closure aligns with a new tenant taking over the space. Owner Lem Winesett expresses disappointment, especially for the staff’s future. The airport aims to enhance its offerings with a new dining concept focused on private pilots, attempting to continue serving the community’s dining needs despite recent challenges. The last day to visit the beloved cafe is May 26, 2024, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend.

Greenville Says Goodbye to Runway Cafe After 15 Years

In a big shake-up at the Greenville Downtown Airport, the beloved Runway Cafe is set to close its doors for good after an impressive 15-year run. The cafe, well-known for its juicy burgers, scrumptious sandwiches, and family-friendly meals, has captured hearts since it first opened its gates back in 2010 at 21 Airport Road Ext. Now, with a new tenant on the horizon, the cafe’s lease will officially end on May 26, 2024, right as we celebrate the start of Memorial Day weekend.

The Rundown on Runway Cafe

Runway Cafe has seen its fair share of ups and downs, especially during the recent years of navigating post-COVID challenges. Once a popular spot for families and aviation enthusiasts alike, the cafe had to downsize its operational hours significantly. After the pandemic hit, their service was reduced to just three hours of counter service a day. Owner Lem Winesett, who took over the cafe after it gained national attention on the Food Network show “Restaurant Impossible” in 2022, has expressed his disappointment at the lease not being renewed, particularly concerned for the future of his staff.

A New Chapter for the Airport

So what’s next for the cafe spot? The Greenville Airport Commission has already selected a new vendor to take over the space, but details about who that will be remain a mystery for now. While we don’t know the exact name yet, the new concept is expected to offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a special focus on appealing to private pilots—talk about catering to the audience!

As Greenville continues to grow and flourish, the commission’s decision to switch things up is no surprise. There have been suggestions to enhance the airport’s offerings as part of the Community Corridor, which also features delightful attractions like a children’s park and the Military History Museum. It clearly seems like the airport officials want to ensure that both locals and visitors have a range of dining options when they touch down.

The Joys and Challenges of Change

Now, don’t get us wrong; Runway Cafe had its shining moments. The cafe continuously sought ways to meet the changing needs of its clientele, especially after a playground was installed nearby, which naturally shifted the customer base. In its efforts to stay relevant, Runway Cafe made menu adjustments and participated in community support initiatives even after a tropical storm wreaked havoc in 2024.

However, this newfound decision to allow a fresh vendor into the fold was not taken lightly. The airport commission reported that they received multiple proposals for the restaurant space, with only a few actually meeting the required criteria. Airport Director James Stephens noted that while it was a tough choice, it ultimately aligns with the vision of long-term growth and community benefit—ensuring that the airport remains a vibrant hub for both food and travel.

The Future Looks Bright

As the sun sets on Runway Cafe’s chapter, exciting changes are on the horizon for the Greenville Downtown Airport. The new tenant is promised to inject new life into the space, with plans for improvements that will surely benefit everyone, from diners to pilots buzzing in and out. If you’ve enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and tasty meals at Runway Cafe, now’s the time to pay a visit before they close up shop. The final day will be here before we know it, and it’s the perfect opportunity to fondly say goodbye to a local favorite.

All eyes are now on what’s next—stay tuned as we keep watch for who the new operator will be and how they will shape the dining scene at the airport for years to come. One thing is for certain: the adventure for Greenville’s airport eateries is just beginning!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Greenville Downtown Airport’s Runway Cafe Set to Close
Goodbye to Runway Café: A Fond Farewell in Greenville

Additional Resources

• Greenville Online
• Wikipedia: Greenville Downtown Airport
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: Runway Cafe Greenville
• Fox Carolina
• Google Scholar: Greenville Downtown Airport
• Upstate Business Journal
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville South Carolina
• GVLtoday
• Google News: Runway Cafe Closing