Goodbye, Velo Fellow: A Beloved Greenville Hangout Bids Farewell
Greenville, the heart of South Carolina, is brimming with mixed emotions this week as the popular downtown entertainment and nano brewery, The Velo Fellow, announced its upcoming closure. The news hit the local community hard when it was shared on social media on the morning of November 10, revealing that the cherished establishment would shut its doors for the last time on December 8.
A Local Favorite for Nearly 14 Years
For nearly 14 years, The Velo Fellow has been a vibrant part of Greenville’s West End, serving not just as a restaurant but as a lively music venue, trivia hub, and social sanctuary for residents and visitors alike. Nestled at 1 Augusta St., Ste. 126, this independently owned hotspot was a familiar gathering place for service industry workers, musicians, creatives, and trivia fans.
Will Polatty, one of the four co-owners, shared the sad news, emphasizing the operational costs and the impact of lingering recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as contributing factors to their decision. “With the rising cost of rent & bar/liability insurance, it has ultimately been decided to not renew the lease at the end of this year,” the farewell post stated with a heavy heart.
The Impact of South Carolina’s Liquor Liability Laws
Another critical issue highlighted in The Velo Fellow’s closure is the liquor liability laws in South Carolina, which have placed a huge burden on local bars and restaurants. Since the 2017 legislation that enacted insurance policy requirements for businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m., many beloved local spots, including Blind Horse Saloon and Smiley’s Acoustic Cafe, have had to shut down. Polatty noted that the insurance costs for The Velo Fellow had spiked significantly in just the last three months, compounding an already tough financial situation.
A Fond Farewell on the Horizon
Despite the sad news, The Velo Fellow is making sure to go out with a bang. They will continue to serve their full lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, along with hosting trivia nights, themed events, and musical performances until mid-December. Their doors will remain open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Patrons are encouraged to come in and make some last memories!
Polatty expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community, stating, “We’ve felt all of the love. That’s why we built Velo from scratch because we love Greenville.” It’s clear the community’s affection for the Velo Fellow is reciprocated, with many ready to cherish the final days of this beloved venue.
An Auction for Keepsakes
On December 16, The Velo Fellow will host a special auction featuring items from the establishment. This is a thoughtful opportunity for fans and loyal customers to take a piece of this local gem home with them as a token of remembrance.
As the city of Greenville prepares to bid farewell to The Velo Fellow, it’s a reminder that every goodbye can be bittersweet. This emblem of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit will be missed by many. Let’s make sure its final weeks are filled with joy, laughter, and celebration of the memories made over the years!
