Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery debuts ‘mart’ in downtown Greenville

Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery opens ‘mart’ in downtown Greenville

Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery will open an abbreviated version of its City View location to downtown Greenville on April 1. The new grab-and-go concept called Swamp Mart debuts at 15 S. Main St.

Owners Mary Walsh and Jac Oliver bring their most popular handmade breakfast, lunch, and snack options including egg and cheese, plus turkey pesto sandwiches to the heart of downtown. The menu is similar to what is offered at the flagship store located at 205 Cedar Lane Road.

The opening announcement was made to Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery’s Instagram account on March 27. During that week, a four-day soft launch gave workers, visitors, and downtown residents a taste of what was to come.

Since opening in 2011, Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery has specialized in South Carolina-grown produce from farmers and vendors committed to organic and ethically sourced ingredients. The company purchases over $100,000 each month from local vendors and farmers.

The building leasing agent at 15 S. Main St. suggested the grab-and-go food concept. Over the years, owners Walsh and Oliver received repeated requests from the business community to bring the cafe and grocery near downtown.

After 13 years of operating their flagship store, a taste of locally farmed ingredients, recipes, and easy-to-carry menu items seemed like a great idea for the growing food options along Main Street.

Located in what is known as the “Wells Fargo building,” Swamp Mart will feature many of the favorites and best sellers from the flagship store plus fruits, coffee, and other snacks.

A bevy of pastry options include scones, cookies, Brazilian cheese puffs, salads, wraps, and the popular stecca bread.

Swamp Mart will begin with store hours of 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on weekdays, which could change with business needs. Inside seating includes four bistro-style tables with 16 seats, couches, soft seating in the lobby, and an outdoor courtyard on the backside of the establishment.

Swamp Mart is the newest of the grab-and-go style lunch and breakfast sandwich shops downtown. Others include The Walkabout at 491 S. Main St., Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar at 355 S. Main St., Fresh Salads Etc. at 120 N. Main St.