The Runway Café has been a treasured spot for the Greenville community.
The Runway Café at Greenville Downtown Airport is closing on May 31, 2025, after over a decade of service. The decision not to renew the lease has left the community in shock, with owner Lem Winesett initiating a petition to keep the café open. While hopeful proposals have been submitted, the café’s legacy remains strong as residents prepare for its final days. The airport plans to attract new culinary ventures, keeping the vibrant food culture of Greenville alive.
In a bittersweet turn of events for the community of Greenville, the beloved Runway Café at the Downtown Airport is set to close its doors on May 31, 2025. This decision, announced on March 7, 2024, has left many local fans of the café feeling a mix of surprise and sadness, as it’s been a cherished spot for more than a decade.
The Aviation authorities at the Greenville Airport had the unenviable task of revealing that they would not be renewing the café’s lease, a choice they described as “extremely hard.” The airport authorities shared that their focus is now on the long-term future of the Community Corridor and how this impacts aviation visitors and aspiring aviators alike.
As Greenville is recognized as one of the best food cities in the U.S., the airport aims to align with that reputation. The vision is to attract more visitors—not just to the airport but also to the vibrant community surrounding it. To achieve this, the airport issued a Request for Proposals regarding the café’s space, located at 21 Airport Road Extension, on June 20, 2024. The deadline for bids is set for September 30, 2024, opening up a world of possibilities for new culinary ventures in the airport.
However, the journey for Runway Café isn’t quite over yet. Owner Lem Winesett started a petition on September 8, 2024, seeking community backing to keep the beloved café at its current location. This effort saw a surge of support, capturing around 600 signatures from loyal customers within just a few days. It’s clear the café has made a lasting impact on its patrons and the local community.
In an effort to secure its spot, Runway Café did submit a proposal to remain in the airport. Sadly, it was not approved. Despite this setback, there’s still a glimmer of hope for the current operators as they can participate in the ongoing bidding process alongside other potential tenants. It will be interesting to see who finally occupies that much-loved space.
The Runway Café first opened its doors in 2010 and has since become a staple for travelers and locals alike. Its unique charm even caught the attention of television, featuring on an episode of “Restaurant: Impossible” that aired in 2022. The story of the café and its community is an inspiring testament to the bond formed between locals and their favorite hangout.
While a new restaurant is planned for the location, specific details remain tightly under wraps. Change can be daunting, but it often leads to exciting opportunities. For those who love good food and a great atmosphere, the future looks bright—just with a different flavor.
As the countdown to May 31, 2025, begins, residents are encouraged to cherish their final visits and support Lem and the entire café staff in their quest for a new future. Whether it’s for a hearty breakfast before a flight or a leisurely lunch with friends, the Runway Café has been a welcoming presence at the airport for many years.
The café’s legacy will surely be remembered, and who knows? The affection it has garnered could pave the way for a new beginning for food lovers in Greenville. The community has always been about connection, and that spirit remains strong.
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