GSA Business Report - November 2023

VOLUME 26 NUMBER 11 ■ GSABUSINESS.COM

Part of the

network

Sum Total Greer food hall tenant plans relocation from Trade Street.

Page 17

NOVEMBER 2023 ■ $2.25

Why Khailing Neoh left behind a corporate career in engineering and marketing to open her own restaurant in downtown Greenville. Page 14 (Photo/Provided)

Upfront

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | BEST ADVICE

F&B serves delicious revenue across South Carolina

M

any restaurants and drinking establishments survived the pandemic or were resilient enough to emerge with a new sense of purpose.

Many did not.

But the headlines over the past year indicate that South Carolina’s food and beverage sector continues to bring in new players and is seeing a surge of growth. A lot of South Carolina’s economic depends on hospitality and tourism, and food and beverage provides a year around subset of that business sector, including wages, professional sector service demand, suppliers, farmers and great food.

Hundreds of thousands of jobs are dependent on this sector, which employed 12% of all workers in South Carolina in 2022. In the next seven years, the National

Restaurant Association estimates that South Carolina will see a 16% increase in demand for F&B workers, including food service and other related jobs.

No longer is Charleston the only place for worldclass dining, but the entire Palmetto State is experiencing a renewed focus on different takes on Southern food and other F&B experiences. The state’s major metro areas aren’t the only places where good food can be found.

In 2022, the country’s F&B sector pulled in $898 billion, data from the National Restaurant Association show. The national trade group estimates that will increase 11% year-over-year, for nearly $1 trillion in revenue in 2023. – by Andy Owens

Cooking the numbers

Regional F&B retail sales Annual sales in 2022 for food and beverage establishments topped a quarter of a billion dollars among Southeastern states. South Carolina alone was worth $15 billion or 6.3% of the total.

Mississippi 3% Arkansas 3% Kentucky 4.9% Alabama 5%

Louisiana 5.5%

10,705

S. Carolina 6.3%

South Carolina has more than 10,000 eating establishments as of 2022. That’s an average of 232 per county.

Southeast Food & Bev Sales

Tennessee 8.2%

257,800

Virgina 10.2%

Number of jobs directly related to the food and beverage sector in South Carolina, which represents 12% of all employment in the Palmetto State.

$238.2 billion

$997,000,000,000

N. Carolina 12.6%

27%

Georgia 12.6%

Amount of food and beverage sales expected national in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022.

The percentage of annual F&B sales in 2022 which came from 11 Southeastern states.

$69,400,000,000

Amount of F&B sales in Florida, the highest-grossing revenue state for the sector in the Southeast in 2022.

Florida 29.1%

$15,000,000,000 F&B sales in South Carolina for 2022.

Source: National Restaurant Association

Source: National Restaurant Association, 2022

ON THE “Pharmacy was a great career for us, and, thanks to God, allowed Bobby and me to

RECORD

help so many people.”

— Barbara Harter Rippy, Philanthropist

WEBSITE: www.GSABusiness.com

FOLLOW US:

@GSABusiness

@GSABusiness

facebook.com/GSABusiness

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 3

SC Biz News Briefs Target your market in an upcoming issue of the GSA Business Report

The new owners of a $12.45 million home in downtown Charleston plan extensive renovations. (Photo/Keen Eye Marketing)

Charleston

Charleston Regional Business Journal

Sale of Charleston home for $12.5M is second-highest price on peninsula

A

home that recently sold in The Battery district in Charleston is the second-highest home sale recorded on the peninsula this year.

The Cassina Group’s Robertson Allen recently participated in the sale of 13 and 15 East Battery St. in downtown Charleston, according to a news release.

The 14,726-square-foot historic home closed for $12.45 million, with Allen representing the buyers, the release stated. The sale is the second highest home sale recorded on the peninsula so far this year, surpassed only by 13 and 15 Meeting St., which closed in April for $12.6 million with Robertson Allen representing both the buyers and sellers.

“It is an honor to have played a pivotal role in the sale of this truly exceptional historic home,” Allen said in the release. “I am excited for my buyer clients and look forward to a new chapter for this architecturally significant piece of Charleston’s history.”

Columbia

Columbia Regional Business Report

Undeveloped Boyd Island transformed into new public space for Columbia area

A

former undeveloped swath of property has been transformed into a sanctuary and public space in Columbia.

The city of Columbia and the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation recently hosted the official grand opening for the Sanctuary at Boyd Island on Boyd Island.

Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, District III Councilman Will Brennan, the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation, and the River Alliance provided details about the island sanctuary, and the efforts to facilitate its transformation into a public outdoor space available to the community, according to a news release.

The Boyd Island Sanctuary was made possible thanks to the vision of Darnall and Susan Boyd, and more than $1 million in contributions from the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation, the release stated. After visiting the undeveloped Boyd Island by canoe, Donnie and Susan Boyd found an enchanting natural treasure, but without easy access, the release stated.

With publications in the Upstate, Columbia and Charleston, as well as a statewide magazine, SC Biz News covers the pulse of business across South Carolina.

Above are excerpts from our other publications.

DECEMBER 4 FINANCE

Lists: Banks, Accounting Firms

Advertising Deadline: November 20

JANUARY 15

WORKFORCE/STAFFING

Lists: Professional Staffing Firms, HR & Payroll Advertising Deadline: January 2

FEBRUARY 19

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

Lists: Hotels, Event Spaces Power List: Logistics

Advertising Deadline: February 5

For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com ColumbiaBusinessReport.com

CharlestonBusiness.com

SCBIZmag.com

4

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

Donna Bischoff, publisher SC Biz News dbischoff@bridgetowermedia.com 843-804-6093

Jason Thomas, executive editor jthomas@scbiznews.com • 864-568-7570

Ross Norton, managing editor-content rnorton@scbiznews.com • 864-642-5229

Andrew Sprague, managing editor-production asprague@scbiznews.com • 843-628-4738

Krys Merryman, staff writer kmerryman@scbiznews.com • 864-640-4418

(Photo/Provided)

A View From The C-Suite Chris Lewis, President | Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty SC

Custom Publishing Division

THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED

WHAT IS THE STIFFEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?

smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3121

When I was younger, my grandfather

Capitalizing on the economic opportunities that sports betting contributes to the industry, while also

urged me to make sure once I completed

managing the inherent risks and ensuring the long-term health of the industry, the people working in

Steve McDaniel, editor

Sales Ryan Downing, director of sales rdowning@scbiznews.com • 864-867-1928

Amanda Alford, multimedia account executive aalford@bridgetowermedia.com • 843-849-3109

Shannon Pollard, multimedia account executive spollard@scbiznews.com • 843-804-6094

school and started working that my

it, and the people consuming the product.

career was something that I enjoyed. I

LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOUR COMPANY

listened to him!

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE?

Our club regularly hosts and attends more than 150 community events every year. This ranges from hosting soccer camps, clinics and after school youth programs to attending community runs, fundraisers and participating in service projects with our friends and partners in the Upstate’s non-

For those who want to work in sports,

profit community.

understand (and make sure your family

We provide entertainment for the Upstate community through the game of soccer. We strive to grow

understands) that it’s not a job, it’s a

the game and provide opportunities for boys, girls, men and women to play, work at, and enjoy the

lifestyle.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

beautiful game.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? I oversee the daily operation of the Club while working with our team both on the business side and

I was a stock boy in the dairy

the technical (soccer) side to continue to grow the organization, positively impact the Upstate, and

department of a supermarket.

live our mission of bringing joy and unity to the Upstate and beyond through the game of soccer.

Tony Rossi, multimedia account executive trossi@scbiznews.com • 864-867-1920

Accounting ar@bridgetowermedia.com

Subscription Services service@bridgetowermedia.com • 877-615-9536

GSA Business Report (USPS 8640) is published once a month except April, June, July, September, and October which all include an additional annual issue, 17 issues per year by SC Biz News, 35B Cessna Court Greenville, SC 29607-2700 Periodicals Postage paid at Greenville, SC and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: Subscription Services PO Box 1051 Williamsport, PA 17703-9940

BridgeTower Media

Theentirecontentsofthisnewspaperarecopyright byBridgeTowerMediawithallrightsreserved.Any reproductionoruseofthecontentwithinthispublicationwithoutpermissionisprohibited.SCBIZandSouth Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth are registeredintheU.S.PatentandTrademarkOffice.

©2023 BridgeTower Media

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 5

AnMed breaks ground on $35M plan to bring health care closer to Powdersville

By Ross Norton

A

rnorton@scbinews.com

nMed Piedmont is under construction to bring emergency services and more to the fast-growing Piedmont area where the northeast corner of Anderson County meets Greenville and Pickens counties. People and businesses in the area often have a Piedmont address but consider themselves planted in Powdersville, Pelzer or Williamston.

AnMed says a $35 million investment in the site will meet increased demand for health care and the needs of a growing population.

“This facility will make South Carolina better,” AnMed CEO William Kenley said in a news release. “It will plant emergency care right in the heart of the I-85 corridor. It will bring other needed services much closer to people’s homes. It will make it so much easier for so many to be healthier. Better starts here.”

Chief Nursing Officer Shaunda Trotter said the location at the northwest corner of S.C. Highway 86 and Old Williamston Road, close to Interstate 85, will mean quicker access to care for people in the area.

“Every second matters when it comes to emergency care,” she said in the news release. “The sooner that

AnMed Piedmont is under construction just off Interstate 85 in Piedmont on land near the Coca-Cola distribution center and Budweiser distribution facility of S.C. Highway 86. (Rendering/McMillan Pazdan Smith)

expert care and intervention can be provided to a person in need, the more likely that person is to recover and heal. The more likely that person is to overcome, survive and thrive.

“We are thrilled that a new, stateof-the-art emergency department is a major component of AnMed Piedmont — because we know that this facility and our team will save lives,” she said. “It will protect and help heal thousands of local families and businesses.”

Primary care and specialty physician offices, physical therapy, and laboratory and imaging services that include X-ray, CT and ultrasound will join the emergency department at AnMed Piedmont. The facility will cover at least 40,000 square feet, the release said.

McMillan Pazdan Smith is the architect and Mavin Construction is general contractor for the project.

“This new facility is coming to the right place at exactly the right time,”

Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns said in the release. “We have seen tremendous population growth in recent time in Powdersville and northeastern Anderson County, and I have no doubt that AnMed Piedmont is going to save lives. Plus, the availability of AnMed primary care, physical therapy and laboratory services within a short drive will be welcomed by the many thousands of residents in the community.”

More than 50 high-paying jobs are projected to be created by the facility when AnMed Piedmont opens in early 2025, according to the health system.

“As a native son of Piedmont, I am so excited to see AnMed come to northern Anderson County,” Anderson County Council member Jimmy Davis said in the release. “We are experiencing explosive growth here, and we could not ask for a better partner to further the growth of health, safety and welfare of our community.”

Additionally, AnMed and Anderson County are exploring the development of an EMS substation and an Anderson County Sheriff ’s Office substation on the AnMed Piedmont campus, the release stated. The substations could include living quarters and an ambulance garage for EMS, as well as office facilities and a base of operations for the Sheriff ’s Office.

Expert care for workplace injuries.

50+ Locations in South Carolina for Occ Med Services Managing Workers’ Comp | Workers’ Compensation Injury Care shouldn’t be painful. Call today | Occupational Medicine to see how we can help.

Doctors Care Employer Health Services

Protecting your most valuable resources. | DOT Physicals | Drug Screens

Employers.DoctorsCare.com

| On-site Wellness Services | On-site Medical Centers

Kitty Howell Director of Business Development

(843) 238-4520

(888) 845-6887 | Sales@DoctorsCare.com

6

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023

Iconic coastal brand relocates HQ to downtown Greenville historic building

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

coastal lifestyle and apparel brand announced its Greenville headquarters will move to a newly renovated historic building downtown.

Southern Tide’s move to the Borden building in an approximately 23,000-square-foot-space at 711 W. Washington St. marks a new chapter for the brand, as it embraces a space deeply steeped in local history and impact on the Greenville community.

The Borden provides not only a strategic location but also a connection to the brand’s origins, according to a news release.

“We are very excited to announce this new chapter of Southern Tide and are looking forward to continuing the company’s growth,” said Southern Tide CEO Carey Ann Campbell. “Greenville has always been our home and is ingrained in Southern Tide’s DNA. We hope to continue to expand our coastal lifestyle while staying true to our roots in Greenville.”

“Southern Tide’s decision to call the Borden its new home reflects its commitment to preserving local heritage. As the brand settles into this historic space, it is poised to further strengthen its ties with the community and better equip the brand in delivering high-quality products and a beloved lifestyle to both loyal patrons and newcomers alike,” the release said.

The completion of the Southern Tide office space and official move-in are both scheduled for the end of 2024.

Southern Tide’s new workspace will accommodate its entire staff on the ground floor, featuring a showroom and collaborative areas, along with a loft area designated for its design studio. Beyond

Southern Tide will move its headquarters into the iconic Borden building in Greenville. (Rendering/Provided)

offering a more functional office setting, this new space will also allow for convenient access to Unity Park and nearby shops, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and the option to easily walk or bike to various restaurants and The Commons, the release said.

“We acquired these buildings as an uncovered ‘treasure,’” said Stephen Navarro, president and CEO of The Furman Co. “After several years of design and post-COVID redesign, we were afforded an opportunity to reimagine what modern office space looks like. Walk-up, independent services, open loft style and flexibility, centered for people and pet friendly services. Southern Tide’s commitment to this environment validates this effort. We are thrilled that they want to call Borden home for their corporate HQ.”

Founded in 2006, Southern Tide is a Greenville-based lifestyle apparel brand that can be found in more than 850 specialty retailers and premium department stores across the United States.

In March, the developer of the Borden, The Furman Co., leased office space in the building to Allen Lund Co., a national transportation broker.

The approximately 42,000-square-foot Borden building — which was purchased in 2019 — core and shell is scheduled for completion this month, according to The Furman Co. The Furman Co.’s intent to preserve the historic buildings that were once home to the Borden ice cream factory. The original Borden building structure dates to 1923. The developer wanted to keep “Borden” as the name of the modern urban office park because of its histo-

ry and to embrace what the site already has to offer.

The developer said there are currently no other tenants to be announced, but they are entertaining multiple offers to lease the balance of the space.

In addition to the Borden Building, Unity Park will feature Honor Tower, for which Southern Tide contributed funding, and is set to be the focal point of Unity Park. This 10-story observation tower is scheduled for full completion by 2024.

“The city of Greenville is proud to welcome Southern Tide and their talented employees to a workplace just a short walk away from our award-winning Unity Park that will inspire them every day,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White. “We appreciate Southern Tide’s confidence in our city.”

Behind the revamp of Greenville’s destination brand

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

nonprofit organization focused on maximizing Greenville’s visitor economic growth while enhancing the quality of residents has decided to shift gears by embracing a rebrand.

VisitGreenvilleSC’s mission is to maximize the city’s visitor economy by developing and promoting “exceptional visitor experiences to elevate the quality of life and prosperity for the community.” To fulfill that mission, community partners are regularly testing and measuring performance to ensure continued success for the industry and the Greenville community.

In late 2022, the organization commissioned brand effectiveness research with its target audience — both leisure visitors and meeting planners. The

research findings concluded that the messaging of “Yeah, THAT Greenville,” which began in 2013, has been successful in differentiating Greenville from other Greenvilles, but there was a future opportunity to shift the position from which Greenville to why this Greenville.

In the last fiscal year, there were 213,000 engaged social media followers across all VisitGreenvilleSC platforms with the #yeahthatgreenville hashtag used more than 2.8 million times on Instagram alone.

Launching in the first quarter of 2024, the destination brand for Greenville will be evolving to align with the exponential growth the community has seen over the past decade to represent the current visitor experience.

In the new brand anthem video, which was shared at the organization’s recent annual meeting, you can get a glimpse of the evolved look and feel of the

new brand in addition to what makes Greenville a desirable destination for visitors.

“Our community is deeply rooted and forever down-to-Earth. We believe in protecting what’s special, embracing what’s new, and having fun along the way. So come taste it, hear it, feel it,” the narrator of the video said.

Not only has South Carolina seen all-time high hospitality and tourism growth, but specifically the Upstate has made a staggering economic impact locally in fiscal year 2023.

From July 2022 through June 2023, approximately seven million people visited Greenville, spending $1.5 billion in hotels, restaurants, shops, and other local businesses — a record high.

Heath Dillard, president and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC said, “When people show up here they realize it’s not just a great place to visit but also a great place

to live and it becomes an opportunity to attract talent in a wide variety of spaces.

A great place to live is a great place to work, and when we have a great place to work, it’s a place that businesses will have to be. If it’s a place that businesses have to be, that will generate travel and tourism.”

He said they want to continue to grow tourism to continue to enhance the quality of life and prosperity of the community.

“We really do believe that going forward the work of the sales team aligns with the economy of the city, driving the right kind of leisure into the market,” said Dillard. “There are nearly 11,000 hotel rooms in Greenville on a nightly basis, so we want to continue to attract people in way that can sustain this level of business while growing in a way that is responsible to the needs of our community as well.”

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 7

$84M build-for-rent development coming to Inman

By Jason Thomas

A

jthomas@scbiznews.com

national multifamily investment firm has revealed plans for a build-for-rent project in Spartanburg County.

TruAmerica Multifamily, acquired a 33-acre site in the Spartanburg, market and has revealed plans to develop Hartley View, an $86-million buildfor-rent community, according to a news release.

The land acquisition sets the stage for TruAmerica’s first BFR development, which will encompass 281 units and includes a mix of 214 front-loaded townhomes, as well as 67 detached, front-loaded single-family residences, the release stated.

“Hartley View is our inaugural Build-for-Rent development, and the community represents the culmination of a strategic endeavor that commenced last year with the launch of a BFR platform as part of TruAmerica’s overall portfolio of workforce housing communities across the U.S.,” said Mitch Rotta, senior managing director, and head of build-for-rent at TruAmerica, in the release. “Our BFR strategy is anchored on building communities in hyper-growth markets, near strong and expanding employment bases. Our

Amenities include a pool, dog parks, playgrounds, community parks, more than four acres of open wooded and recreation spaces that are connected to a trail system. (Rendering/Provided)

BFR projects are designed to appeal to both renters by choice, as well as by necessity, who are seeking a single-family residential living style, along with the amenities found in today’s popular apartment communities.”

Horizontal construction at the is slated to begin in Summer 2024, and vertical construction is anticipated to commence on the project in December 2024, the release estated. Delivery of the first units is scheduled in Summer

2025.

Residential layouts will be configured across seven floor plans, and units will feature garages and backyards, according to the release. Hartley View’s unit sizes range from nearly 1,260 square feet in a two story, two-bedroom, 2.5 bath and one car garage configuration up to the largest units featuring more than 2,200 square feet in a two story, four-bedroom, 2.5 bath with two car garage home.

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Register yourself or your whole team for professional development and workforce training certificates in: • Lean & Lean Six Sigma • Culinary Corporate Team Building • American Heart Association First • Leadership/Supervisory Certificates Aid/CPR/AED HeartSaver • Certified Supply Chain Professional • Certification in Production and (CSCP) Inventory Management (CPIM) • Advanced Manufacturing One-Day • OSHA 10- & 30-Hour Certification Training Series • Truck Driver & Forklift Training • Basic Cooking Skills, Entry-level

Online and in-person options that work with your schedule.

Scholarships available. Find out more at www.gvltec.edu/edct/.

Hartley View is a HOA community planned to include a dedicated main entrance and leasing office with clubhouse. Amenities include a pool, dog parks, playgrounds, community parks, more than four acres of open wooded and recreation spaces that are connected to a trail system, and adjacent to old growth trees and wetlands, the release stated.

Purpose built BFR communities typically offer a larger array of amenities that appeal to the lifestyles and interests of a wide range of renters today, especially since they live like a single-family residence, the release stated. They also help meet housing demand in markets facing an undersupply.

“We are fortunate to be in a strong position as we move forward on Hartley View, since we’ve already completed our acquisition due diligence and secured land financing,” said Rotta. “Those factors contribute to our confidence that we are aligned with investor interests around pursuing deals in a challenging market with higher thresholds, while appealing to land and homebuilder networks seeking third-party BFR partners in California and the SMILE states.”

Brad Morris of New Deco Inc. represented the seller, Converse Development. The buyer was not represented in the transaction.

8

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023

Greenville Triumph head coach will not return for 2024

By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

T

he 2023 season for the Greenville Triumph Soccer Club will be the last for the founding head coach and sporting director.

John Harkes says he will not seek to renew his contract after five years with the club. Harkes, the winningest coach in USL League One history, joined the Triumph shortly after the club’s inception in 2018.

The former U.S. Men’s National Team captain joined the Triumph after serving as the head coach of FC Cincinnati for the club’s inaugural season in 2016. He led that club to a 16-6-8 record and a playoff berth, also being named a finalist for Coach of the Year.

In Greenville, he built a roster from scratch in less than a year and that club finished as League One runner-up in the inaugural season. The Triumph dominated the COVID-shortened 2020 season, going wire-to-wire at the top of the league table to win the club’s first League One title.

The team made it to the playoffs this year but lost in the opening round to the Charlotte Independence on Oct. 20.

Harkes led the team to the USL League One Playoffs in each of his five seasons with the Triumph, reaching three consecutive League One Finals from 2019-2021. Greenville is the only club to make the postseason in each of the league’s first five seasons, according to a news release. Harkes was the league’s Coach of the Year in 2020 and has been awarded Coach of the Month five times.

“My family and I have had an incredible journey with Greenville,” Harkes said in the news release. “After much reflection and many discussions, I have decided to not renew my contract. I am grateful to this club, in particular the Erwin family, their ownership group and (President) Chris Lewis for the steadfast

John Harkes, who had a career as an amateur and professional soccer player, has been the only head coach in the Greenville Triumph’s five-year history. (Photo/Provided)

trust in me to lead the club on and off the field. I hope that I have fulfilled my promises to build Triumph SC from the ground up and my dream to leave it in a better place.”

Harkes, whose contract runs through the end of December, will assist in staff and player transition as the club prepares for the 2024 League One season, the release said.

“John Harkes is special — a great head coach and sporting director, who is an even better person,” Triumph Chairman Joe Erwin said in the release. “Having John guide our coaching staff and players the last five years has been a joy for our supporters, fans and everyone in our club.

He’s embraced our community and what makes the Upstate special, and he has built a culture of success that is unmatched in our league. We wish great happiness to John and his family going forward, and we are forever

grateful for their contributions to the Greenville Triumph.”

Harkes said he was stepping away from the club in an official capacity but that he would not be giving up the green in his wardrobe.

“I am forever a member of the Greenville Triumph, and I will remain a full supporter of the club, fans, and community moving forward,” he said in the release. “I am indebted to Joe, Gretchen, Doug, Shannon, Billy and Chris as well as my coaching staff and players for their hard work, belief, and trust in me. I’d like to thank my family, in particular my wife Cindi, who supported me along this journey. I’m excited for the next chapter in my career and in our lives.”

Harkes grew up in Kearny, N.J., and played soccer at the University of Virginia from 1985 to 1987 under his future D.C. United head coach Bruce Arena. Harkes was named the MAC

Hermann Player of the Year in 1987 before foregoing his senior season to play with the U.S. Men’s National Team. With the National Team, Harkes earned 90 caps, appearing in FIFA World Cups (1990, 1994), the 1988 Olympics and serving as team captain from 1995-1998. Following a career in Europe as the first American to compete in the English Premier League, Harkes returned to the U.S. as one of the foundational players of the newly created Major League Soccer. In addition to coaching since his retirement as a player, he’s worked with ESPN, Fox, and SiriusXM as a commentator for MLS and World Cup coverage.

The Greenville Triumph recently announced the club will return to Furman’s Paladin Stadium for a second season in 2024 as the organization continues to work on securing a location and plan for a permanent stadium.

Great-granddaughter of Greenville’s first Merle Norman franchise owner carries on family tradition

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

n international cosmetics company that specializes in skin care, personal care and makeup products has set up shop in the Verdae Village Shopping Center in Greenville — through a franchisee with history in Greenville.

Norman Cosmetics has taken residence of a 1,500-square-foot space on the corner of Laurens Road and Verdae Boulevard, offering customers the company’s signature top-of-the-line cosmetic products and services, and is equipped with an

experienced staff and three rooms available for rent to estheticians, according to a news release.

The Verdae Village studio is owned by Jessica Carter, a fourth-generation franchise owner whose great-grandmother, Beryl Hiller, opened Greenville’s first Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise on Laurens Road in 1958, the release said.

“We’re excited to open our studio at Verdae Village,” Carter said. “My great-grandmother was passionate about entrepreneurship and making women look and feel beautiful every day, and I feel honored to follow in her footsteps by opening this store.”

The company was founded in 1931

by Merle Nethercutt Norman, a pioneer of the cosmetic industry, with the vision of empowering women in life and business. In addition to the company’s traditional services, Merle Norman Cosmetics at Verdae Village offers spray tanning and free steam facials, makeovers and foundation color checks. The studio also plans to have at least two sales a year and 12 days of Christmas specials, the release said.

Merle Norman Cosmetics joins a variety of tenants at the Verdae Village Shopping Center, including Food Lion, Lowe’s Outlet, Planet Fitness, Office Depot,

Greenfield’s Bagels, Mr. K’s Used Books, and 19 Wine & Spirits.

The studio is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Merle Norman Cosmetics studio, visit www.merlenormanstudio.com.

Verdae Village is owned and operated

by Aston Properties, which was founded in 1980 by Steele Dewey to provide shopping centers in communities throughout the Southeast and mid-Atlantic. In the Upstate area, in addition to Verdae Village, Aston Properties owns North Hills Shopping Center, McDaniel Village, and Powdersville Plaza.

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 9

Keurig Dr Pepper announces $100M expansion at Moore facility

By Jason Thomas

K

jthomas@scbiznews.com

eurig Dr Pepper (KDP), a producer of hot and cold beverages, will invest $100 million to expand its existing facility in Spartanburg County.

The development of its coasting roasting and manufacturing facility is expected to create an estimated 250 new jobs by 2027, in addition to the $380 million previously invested and 155 jobs currently at this location, according to a news release from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

This project is an extension of a tiered, phased build of the facility which broke ground in 2019. While the COVID-19 pandemic altered the project timeline, KDP has continually upgraded and invested in its production, warehousing and distribution capabilities since that time, the release stated.

“Our facility in South Carolina remains an important asset in the ongoing evolution of our next-generation coffee production capabilities,” Keurig Dr Pepper Chief Supply Chain Officer Roger Johnson said in the release. “Keurig Dr Pepper is proud to continue to grow in the wel-

An additional investment in the young Keruig Dr Pepper facility in Spartanburg County will grow the workforce from about 150 now to about 400 by 2027, company officials say. (Photo/Provided)

coming and talent-rich community of Moore. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from the State of South Carolina in helping to facilitate our ongoing investment and hiring needs.”

The further development of the facility, located at 6135 Anderson Mill

Road in Moore, is expected to be complete in 2027, the release stated. Jobs will be related to KDP’s manufacturing and distribution operations.

KDP’s beverage portfolio consists of 125 iconic brands including carbonated and non-carbonated beverages such as Dr Pepper, Canada Dry,

Snapple, Mott’s and CORE, as well as the Keurig brewing system, with leading owned brands Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and The Original Donut Shop, the release stated.

The company’s Spartanburg County location is exclusively focused on coffee roasting and packaging for K-Cup pods for use in Keurig brewers. The facility is one of the largest LEED certified manufacturing facilities in the world.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $1 million Set-Aside grant to Spartanburg County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“Since coming to Spartanburg County, Keurig Dr Pepper has been a fantastic partner, and has only enhanced our county’s status as a place where leading companies can come, succeed and grow,” Spartanburg County Council Vice Chairman and Economic Development Committee Chairman David Britt said in the release. “As chairman of the Economic Development Committee, we are grateful for Keurig Dr Pepper’s decision to come here, and we are very proud of their success. Their future is bright.”

10

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023

New-to-market tenants announced for $1B County Square project

By Krys Merryman

T

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

wo additional tenants will be joining the $1 billion Greenville County Square mixed-use development in downtown Greenville.

Ben & Jerry’s and JINYA Ramen Bar are the latest new-to-market tenants added to the growing retail roster at Greenville County Square in downtown Greenville, according to a news release.

This is the first Greenville location for both concepts.

“We’re excited about the additions of Ben & Jerry’s and JINYA to Greenville County Square,” said Phil Mays, principal of RocaPoint Partners. “We’re looking forward to seeing them get to know the people and charm of the city, and for the Greenville community to have even more delicious options to choose from. We’re diversifying our tenant mix with a variety of concepts to give something for everyone to enjoy.”

Bringing the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop to the Greenville County Square is PRIMO Partners, the only Black-owned/Black-led multi-unit franchise group of Ben & Jerry’s, along with other enterprises, the release said.

Comprised of Antonio McBroom, CEO of PRIMO Partners, Phillip Scotton, and Eric Taylor, PRIMO is expanding their portfolio to Greenville with the opening of their 16th Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop.

The 1,200-square-foot-plus scoop shop

JINYA Ramen Bar will be a 3,700-square-foot casual full-service restaurant with a full bar and outdoor patio seating area that will serve 13 signature ramen bowls with more than 25 toppings. (Photo/Provided)

will reflect Ben & Jerry’s new and updated concept named the “store of the future,” set up to be omnichannel to enhance the overall guest experience. The Greenville store will serve Ben & Jerry’s signature ice cream flavors including household favorites like Phish Food, Chunky Monkey, and more, as well as fresh-packed pints, milkshakes, and nondairy options, the release said.

“Being anchored in the triangle region of North Carolina and Atlanta, Greenville has been on our radar for about a decade,” said McBroom. “We fell in love with the potential and promise of the city and its rich cultural

history. Part of our mission is investing in and building change to support future entrepreneurs, and we felt this particular development project perfectly aligned with that.

PRIMO Partners is excited to bring a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop to Greenville residents and visitors alike.”

JINYA Ramen Bar will be a 3,700-squarefoot casual full-service restaurant with a full bar and outdoor patio seating area that will serve 13 signature ramen bowls with more than 25 toppings. Rounding out the menu will be a variety of Japanese tapas alongside rice bowls and curries, the release said.

Greenville County Square currently houses Greenville County’s newly opened 250,000-square-foot administration building, designed by Foster + Partners. Most recently, RocaPoint Partners announced Pins Mechanical, Fairway Social and Agave Bandido as the entertainment anchors, joining Whole Foods Market as the grocer anchor, and The Perch Kitchen & Tap as the first food and beverage tenant.

Lima One Capital also announced its relocation to Greenville County Square, more than doubling the company’s office space and adding 300 jobs to the Greenville market.

Former state Supreme Court Justice joins Wyche

By Jason Thomas

jthomas@scbiznews.com

W

yche, a Greenville-based full-service law firm with three offices across South Carolina, has announced that Kaye Hearn, former South Carolina Supreme Court Justice, has joined the firm as special counsel.

Hearn, based in Conway, will serve clients statewide as a member of Wyche’s litigation team, according to a Wyche news release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Justice Kaye Hearn to the Wyche team as special counsel.

Her distinguished career on the South Carolina Supreme Court, her leadership in the judiciary, and her commitment to excellence in the legal profession make her an invaluable addition to our firm and our clients,” said Tally Parham Casey, CEO and chair of Wyche P.A., in the release.

Hearn retired in April of 2023 as a justice on the South Carolina Supreme Court, according to the release. At the time of her retirement, she was the longest serving member of the South Carolina State Court Judiciary. She was elected to the Supreme Court in May of 2009, becoming only the second woman member in the court’s history.

Prior to her election to the state’s highest

Wyche, a full-service law firm with three offices across South Carolina, has announced that Kaye Hearn, former South Carolina Supreme Court Justice, has joined the firm as special counsel. (Photo/Wyche P.A.)

court, Hearn was a member of the South Carolina Court of Appeals for 15 years, serving as its chief judge for 10 years, according to the release. During her tenure as chief judge, Justice Hearn served as president of

the Council of Chief Judges, a nationwide network of chief judges of the intermediate appellate courts.

“Throughout my career in the South Carolina judiciary, I’ve witnessed Wyche’s

unwavering dedication to the pursuit of legal excellence and its deep-rooted commitment to the communities it serves.

I look forward to bringing my years of experience to the firm and working alongside its talented team to deliver the highest level of legal representation to clients statewide,” Hearn said in the release.

From 1986 until her election to the Court of Appeals in 1995, she served as a Family Court judge, according to the release. Prior to going on the bench, Hearn was a trial attorney with the firm of Stevens, Stevens, Thomas, Hearn and Hearn, and served as a member of the South Carolina Board of Bar Examiners. Immediately upon graduation from law school, she served as law clerk to South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Julius B. Ness. She is the only former law clerk to return to the court as a justice.

Hearn received her bachelor’s, cum laude, from Bethany College and her J.D., cum laude, from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She received an LLM from the University of Virginia’s Graduate Program for Judges; an honorary Doctor of Laws from the Charleston School of Law; an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Francis Marion University; and an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of South Carolina.

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 11

Philanthropist makes historic scholarship gift to Charleston medical school

By Ross Norton

A

rnorton@scbiznews.com

philanthropist from the Upstate has created an avenue for promising students from her hometown to pursue an education at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Barbara Harter Rippy of Union has created a first-of-its-kind endowed scholarship at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. The new scholarship is designed to become the college’s first full-ride scholarship, according to MUSC. MUSC College of Pharmacy Dean Philip D. Hall presented Rippy with a plaque honoring her and her groundbreaking commitment at a ceremony in Spartanburg on Sept. 26.

“It is an honor and a privilege to recognize Mrs. Rippy, who is such an inspiration in her fearless embrace of a good idea, her resolve to take action and her predilection for making a lasting mark on everything and everyone she touches,” Hall said in a news release.

Totaling $750,000 in current and planned gifts, this endowed gift will fund a full ride for deserving students, preferably from the city of Union.

“Pharmacy was a great career for us, and, thanks to God, allowed Bobby and me to help so many people,” Rippy said in the release.

For 34 years, Bobby Gene Rippy, a graduate of the CODM Class of 1963, and his wife owned and operated Smith Drug Store on Main Street in Union. “Pharmacy school changed Bobby’s life, and I want to give that same opportunity to a new generation,” she

MUSC College of Pharmacy Dean Philip D. Hall thanks Barbara Rippy for supporting the school. (Photo/Provided)

said in the release.

Her name has already become a byword at the MUSC College of Pharmacy, where every student enjoys the state-of-the-art Bobby Gene ‘63 and Barbara Harter Rippy Lecture Hall in the college’s new pharmacy building, which opened in April 2023. The college named the lecture hall in appreciation for Mrs. Rippy’s leadership support, including a $1 million commitment to the College of Pharmacy, supporting the mission and the vision of the college.

“Mrs. Rippy’s financial support has been vital to the college, but she is beloved by the MUSC pharmacy family for much more than

that,” Hall said in the release. “She has an unquenchable spirit and an irresistible personality.”

Hall said Rippy made a big impression on the MUSC community at the formal dedication of the new pharmacy facility, where she made some impromptu remarks at the podium.

The creation of a new endowed scholarship puts her at the forefront of a strategic shift in philanthropic priorities for the college, which is targeting scholarship support and reduced student debt as its primary fundraising objectives now that the building campaign is complete, the release stated.

In 1959, Bobby Rippy enrolled at the MUSC College of Pharmacy while Barbara Rippy continued to work, supporting the family until her husband earned a pharmacy degree that would eventually enable them to buy Smith Drug Store in 1969, according to the release.

The Rippys became community leaders and benefactors, supporting civic and church organizations as well as sponsoring a Dixie Youth baseball team for 44 years. They retired in 2004 and continued to be vibrant and active parts of Union civic life, participating in and supporting more than a half dozen organizations. Bobby Rippy died in 2012.

Electric supply wholesaler opens Easley location

By Ross Norton

C

rnorton@scbiznews.com

ity Electric Supply has opened its eighth location in the Upstate with a new store in Easley.

CES is a family-owned electrical wholesale distributor headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

The company, which considers a ninth location in Toccoa, Ga., a part of its regional footprint, says its growth in the area is a reflection of growth in general across the Upstate. The company has added three locations in the last six years.

“The Upstate area of South Carolina is a place that continues to flourish,” the company said in a news release. “Ranked the No. 3 state for doing business and area development, more than $10.2 billion in capital investment has occurred from 2018-2022.”

CES will help supply the builders behind that growth.

“The Upstate area is growing. South Carolina has a great business climate,” said District Manager Don Corbett in the release. “A lot of people want to move here, and we are seeing tremendous expansion. CES wants to

The Easley location is the eighth for CES in the Upstate and the ninth on its regional map. (Photo/Provided)

have locations in place to be ready to assist in developments when the time comes.

Customers working on these developments have busy schedules. With these strategically placed locations, CES hopes to ease customers’ wait and drive times to help jobsites and projects move as quickly as possible.”

“With the CES business model, we take our business to the markets with centralized locations, so people don’t have to drive an hour trip into a big metroplex,” Corbett said in the release. “Four branches really serve the Greenville market. Greenville’s downtown branch backs right up to

downtown airport. Greer, Simpsonville, and now Easley surround Greenville proper. CES Spartanburg is located downtown as well.”

As the downtown areas continue to grow and develop outside of Greenville and Spartanburg, the CES model will be implemented to help customers, Corbett said.

“What we found when we opened the Greer location east of Greenville was that the business was impacted positively among those two branches, and more people were able to be helped with better service,” he said in the release. “We expect a similar dynamic from this Easley branch. It will build its own customer base, and it will feed off the Greenville base. And that’s what’s good about CES — your account is good at any location with us, so our customers can stop in wherever they need.”

The company was founded in 1951 by Tom Mackie in the United Kingdom and expanded to the United States in 1983. Today, CES employs more than 3,000 people in more than 550 branches across the country, the release said.

12

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023

LEADS & DATA

CENTER Powered by

Powered by GSA Business Report, the new Leads & Data Center will give you: • Lucrative local sales leads

• Downloadable spreadsheets

• Business-building executive contacts

• Access to GSA Business Report news

• 24/7 online access for research anytime, anywhere Imagine the leads and data you could discover, call 877-615-9536 to upgrade your current subscription.

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 13

Organizers: New trail could have multi-million-dollar impact on Carolinas

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

group of Spartanburg nonprofit organizations are leading an effort to revamp 31 miles of a trail line that runs through South Carolina and North Carolina.

The Saluda Grade Trail is a new rail trail that travels through the cities of Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Tryon and Saluda, ending in the Zirconia area.

PAL (Play. Advocate. Live Well.) Spartanburg, one of the nonprofits involved in the project, has been working on trails in the urban area of Spartanburg. PAL Spartanburg was working with Norfolk Southern on a trail connection under one of their trestles when they learned that the line would be for sale. PAL, Upstate Forever and Conserving Carolina are working to make the project happen.

“I have lived in Inman my entire life.

We have seen our city be busy and prosperous. The peaches, textiles and the train were the reasons why. Now the economic engine that powered all of this is back,” Inman Mayor Cornelius Huff said.

Laura Ringo, executive director of PAL Spartanburg, said the South Carolina Legislature committed $15 million toward the acquisition of the South Carolina portion of the trail and the North Carolina Legislature put $12 million toward the North Carolina portion.

“The Saluda Grade Trail will be a transformative project for our entire community,” said Huff. “The trail will be a safe and nearby opportunity for recreation and fellowship. Additionally, our downtown businesses are excited to see more visitors. For over 100 years, the railroad connected all of the cities here in this part of Spartanburg County. We look forward to working with our family in Landrum and Campobello, plus our cousins in North Carolina, to make this project a success.”

Numerous case studies of existing

Proponents of the Saluda Grade Trail say it will be a boost to the local economy while preserving the vistas it runs through. (Photo/Provided)

rail trails, as well as the proposed Saluda Grade Trail, point to substantial economic benefits of rail trails — to include the boost of small businesses in otherwise rural areas, according to PAL Spartnaburg.

Currently, the Saluda Grade Trail coalition is working on an in-depth study of the economic potential of the Saluda Grade Trail — and how it can grow the local economy in ways that protect and enhance the region’s character.

In 2021, Spartanburg County commissioned an economic impact study of the proposed Saluda Grade Trail, which found that the trail would be an economic engine in every stage of its development and a continual revenue generator for local businesses after the trail is built.

This study found that: • The trail’s initial construction could have $40-45.6 million in economic impact • Construction of new homes and businesses along the route could have a $7.6 million impact

• Ongoing spending by trail users and businesses would generate $11 million in economic impact every year Other rails trails in the Southeast are success stories, leading to economic development that supports independent business and revitalizes historic downtowns. At the same time, rail trails provide impetus to conserve scenic rural landscapes, which are a significant draw for trail visitors.

According to the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy, the Virginia Creeper Trail attracts 112,000 out-of-town visitors every year and 54,000 of those visitors spend at least one night in the area.

Greenville’s Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail saw 530,000 visitors in 2014, of whom almost a quarter came from outside the Upstate Area. The Northern Outer Banks Trail has up to $149 million in annual economic impact and provides between 1,400-3,500 jobs.

A 2018 study by N.C. State University evaluated four multi-use paths, or greenways, across the state — the Brevard

Greenway, Little Sugar Creek Greenway, American Tobacco Trail and Duck Trail.

This study concluded that every dollar spent on trail construction generates $1.72 every year in local business revenue, sales tax revenue, and other benefits related to health and transportation, according to the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy. This study found that a onetime investment of $26.7 million in the four greenways had a combined impact of: • $19.4 million annually in sales at businesses along the trails • $684,000 annually in sales and local tax revenue generated by local businesses • $25.7 million annually in savings due to more physical activity, less congestion and pollution, and fewer traffic injuries • $48.7 million in estimated business revenue from greenway construction Ringo said they are currently conducting a feasibility study that will include recommendations on use and function of the trail. The full report will be available sometime in the first half of 2024, she added.

A survey for anyone who would like to participate in that process can be found at this link.

PAL anticipates acquiring the line by the end of 2024. The organization is going through a railbanking process that takes at least 12 months, said Ringo. After that, construction of the trail will be determined by fundraising success.

The project should be finished in five to seven years, said Ringo.

“The leadership at PAL and Upstate Forever, here in South Carolina and Conserving Carolina in North Carolina continue to be wonderful stewards for this endeavor,” said Huff. “They have laid out a clear and reasonable approach that allows for public input and needed conversations.”

50-year-old Spartanburg prime real estate hits the market

By Krys Merryman

T

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

he only enclosed mall in Spartanburg County is on the market.

WestGate Mall, which was built in 1975 and renovated in 1996, is in receivership and is being handled by the lender, according to Dustin Tenney with Reedy River Retail at SVN Blackstream.

The property has been taken back by the bank, and a list price for the property has not been established, said Tenney.

The more than 400,000-square-foot mall is anchored by Belk, Dillards, JCPenney, and Costco and sits on approximately 52 acres.

WestGate is located along Interstate 26 at 205 W. Blackstock Road in Spartanburg.

The mall holds well-known tenants such as Bath & Body Works, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret and is surrounded by national retailers including Target, Hobby Lobby, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Regal Cinemas and Home Depot.

Tenney and Daniel Holloway with Reedy River Retail at SVN Blackstream and Brian Chadwick with SVN Second Story Real Estate Management have been retained exclusively to offer for sale the leasehold interest of WestGate Mall.

Reedy River Retail is the retail arm of SVN Blackstream’s Greenville office.

Now in receivership, the Westgate Mall in Spartanburg is for sale. (Photo/Provided)

In Focus

FOOD AND BEVERAGE LISTS: Restaurants, Pg. 18 | Restaurants with Banquet Facilities, Pg. 19

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS: Finance

Greenville Chinese-American restaurateur works to change landscape of ‘Chinese food’

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

D

uring the COVID-19 pandemic, Khailing Neoh started to dream up the idea of opening a restaurant of her own.

Although she is from Canton, Ohio, she holds strong to her Chinese-American roots, following in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents, despite them wanting to stay in the engineering field. Before Sum Bar, Neoh was working at a corporation in engineering sales and marketing.

Neoh is first-generation American.

Her father grew up in Malaysia (Chinese Malaysian), so she has a strong tie to her Southeast Asian roots as well.

Neoh and her business partner committed to the idea of opening an evening dim sum and cocktail bar.

From there, Sum Bar was born.

“Dim sum in America is great because it's authentic in its dishes and an enjoyable shared experience,” said Neoh. “That's what drew me to dim sum as the core of Sum Bar: the communal aspect, authenticity, and the comforting dishes. My original goal was to present Chinese cuisine in my Asian-American perspective as opposed to what people might assume Chinese cuisine is (takeout, red and gold, fried, sweet and sour chicken).

There's no harm or shame in Chinese takeout restaurants. However, it's important for Americans to recognize the difference between American Chinese food and Chinese food. At Sum Bar we have the privilege of serving dishes we'd like to serve and how we'd like to serve them.”

After surveying people and dozens of pop-ups, Neoh said they found the brick-and-mortar location at 307 E. Washington St. in downtown Greenville, and she quit her full-time job to focus on Sum Bar. “It was a kind enough job but took away from my real passion of working and connecting with people,” Neoh said. “The restaurant industry allows me to stay close to the community in an intimate way. What is more intimate than food and storytelling? Thank you, Greenville, for giving me that opportunity. Greenville as a city is a beautiful growing landscape full of energy. It felt like the right place and the right time for dim sum in Greenville. We weren't looking for a specific area but knew we'd know it was right when we saw it.”

Even though Sum Bar has been open less than a year, it has gained a lot of traction and buzz, and positive feed-

back from the community, she said.

“Seeing the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and the shared outdoor area was great,” said Neoh. “The landlord, David Stone of Stone Family Properties, had/has such a vision for the property and the growth of the city of Greenville. We knew it was the perfect fit. We love the downtown area for its walkability and the liveliness that comes with its events and people.

Here we are two years later with a fully stocked bar and ready for the bustling holiday season.”

Over the last nine months, Neoh said they’ve made major improvements and are proud of where they stand today.

“We have a fantastic team that cares about the guests, new and returning.

Our food menu may seem small, but there are constant rotational items and specials that we are excited to share,” said Neoh. “Keeping the menu tighter allows us to execute to the best of our abilities. Given that all our dishes are made in house and all dumplings are hand-wrapped, we take pride in serving the highest quality dim sum to our customers.”

The advice Neoh has for aspiring restaurateurs is to lead with vulnerability, to be open and honest about your strengths and weaknesses to your partners, team members and peers.

“The more support you can garner the better, because this is a difficult and consuming industry,” she said. “The thought of being on an island during the startup period should encourage you to lead with authenticity rather than ego. I attribute all our success to the generosity and talent of all those around me. There's not a single part of the restaurant that I built entirely on my own. My team members, especially, know where I fall short, and I trust that they can fill in the cracks.”

When asked if there any plans to open additional locations at this time, Neoh said, for now, they're putting all their efforts into growth, expanding their menu, and continuing to create exceptional dining experiences.

“Our main goal is to provide the best possible dining experience,” she said.

“We encourage our guests to experiment and try something new. If it's not their cup of tea, we're happy to pivot and make sure they do find something they like.

This goes for food and cocktails. The idea is to explore and connect. Thank you for giving us the chance to do that.”

For more information on Sum Bar’s menu and reservations visit their website at https://www.eatsumbar.com/.

Sum Bar was an idea that grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic, from an idea inside the head of Khailing Neoh to a location on East Washington Street in Greenville. (Photo/Provided)

Khailing Neoh left behind a corporate career in engineering and marketing to start her own restaurant.

(Photo/Provided)

November 2023

IN FOCUS: FOOD AND BEVERAGE

www.gsabusiness.com 15

Greenville native to open ‘artisanal’ Mexican spot

By Krys Merryman

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

A

Rochester, N.Y.-based hospitality group is opening a restaurant in Greenville — but not by random.

Bitter Honey is one of six restaurant concepts that makes up SCN Hospitality bar and restaurant group.

Founder and president of SCN Hospitality Josh Miles, who is originally from Greenville, said he’s been spending more time in Greenville to visit family and has been pleased with the direction the city is going in.

“Greenville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, and I wanted to take my roots back home and bring here what I’ve been doing up North,” he said. “After being in the market and looking at what other people are doing, I like to look at the community and see what it needs versus just what I want to do.

(That’s how we decided) Bitter Honey is the proper concept for this neighborhood and lends itself to the demographic that surrounds it, with a fun family setting.”

The casual neighborhood restaurant will be located at 15 E. Stone Ave. and will serve elevated and authentic Mexican fare in a family-style setting.

As of July 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic/ Latino population is up to 10.3% in Greenville County — a 40% increase from the population reported by the bureau in 2017.

“Bitter Honey’s chef ’s father is from Mexico and his mother is American,” Miles said. “In the Upstate, the Hispanic population is growing, and we want to bring our twist on it with an artisanal, fresh and bright dining experience.”

So, how did Bitter Honey get its name?

Miles said another big part of what they do is to focus on agave tequilas like mezcal.

During the distillation process of tequila-making, agave is harvested then crushed and cooked, he said.

Under the first path of cooking, a bitter liquid is secreted that Mexicans refer to as the “bitter honey” and that’s a part of making tequila.

The restaurant is the brainchild of Miles’ business partner Zack Mikida, who over the past decade has spent a lot of time in Mexico, which has deepened his love for the country.

“He’s spent a lot of time in the more rural parts of Mexico, experiencing grandmothers cooking and getting a different side of authentic Mexican food,” said Miles. “The emphasis on really fresh ingredients is important to us. Everything has a from scratch

Greenville native Josh Miles, founder and president of SCN Hospitality, plans to open Bitter Honey restaurant on Stone Avenue in Greenville. (Photo/Provided)

Business partners Josh Mikida, left, and Josh Miles, right. (Photo/Provided)

focus, whether it be cocktails or food.

You can come in and get chips, tacos, and a margarita or opt for a multidish chef-curated dining experience

with more flavors and you can build your own experience.”

When asked if there are any plans to open additional locations or con-

cepts at this time, Miles said no plans as of now.

In the meantime, Bitter Honey is anticipated to open in spring 2024.

16

www.gsabusiness.com

IN FOCUS: FOOD AND BEVERAGE

November 2023

Husband, wife to open second authentic Italian concept in Greenville

By Krys Merryman

F

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

rom Italian roots to Greenville, the Ferros are expanding their local reach with an authentic Italian market coming to West Greenville.

Ristorante Bergamo owners Gian Pietro and Kathy Ferro are bringing Bergamo West the Market to the “Village.”

The owners of the market located at 1278 Pendleton St. said they hope to have it be open before Christmas, but a date is to be determined as they wait for products to come in.

The Ferros acquired Ristorante Bergamo — a restaurant that has been in Greenville for more than 35 years — from the original owners in October 2020. The Ferros have both been in Greenville for three years, from the opening of Ristorante Bergamo, and Gian Pietro Ferro is from the Italian city and province Bergamo, said Kathy Ferro.

Bergamo West will be an Italian food market with all imported Italian products such as oils, cheeses, meats and a small selection of curated wines, and they will have a small deli with sandwiches, soups, salads, an espresso machine and ice cream, she added.

“It’s always been my husband’s dream to get the restaurant up and running, and we wanted to extend that to a market concept since we have been warmly received by the Greenville community,” said Ferro.

“We don’t believe there is anything like this, even in downtown Green-

Bergamo West will be an Italian food market with all imported Italian products such as oils, cheeses, meats and a small selection of curated wines. (Photo/Provided)

ville, as it’s a bit of a niche for people who really like authentic Italian products. We have found lots of people who enjoy these types of products

here, so this will hopefully be a nice addition to the community.”

There are no further plans at this time to add onto the Ferros’ portfo-

lio, they said.

The architect on record is Narramore Architecture, and the general contractor is Henry James.

Elevated casual dining restaurant opens first franchise in Fountain Inn

By Krys Merryman

T

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

he second location and first franchise location of an elevated community kitchen has opened in Fountain Inn. The Farehouse located at 111 N. Main St. had a soft opening for lunch and dinner services, but owner Cristy Marut said they are waiting on an alcohol permit before a grand opening, which is anticipated to be within the next few weeks.

The restaurant’s original location is in Taylors Mill, and Marut said she saw a growth opportunity within the Fountain Inn community.

“The community is rapidly growing, and we felt the space on Main Street would be perfect for the first franchise,” said Marut.

The Farehouse offers a wide variety of food and beverage options in a “warm

and welcoming” environment for the community to gather with friends and meet new ones,” said Marut.

Starters include beer cheese and warm pretzel, smoked wings, and meatballs; in addition to soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and pastas, the restaurant offers entrees such as panseared trout and grilled salmon, shrimp and grits, and prime rib.

“Fountain Inn is a wonderful town and as it rapidly grows, we are happy to provide additional dining options,” she added. “We bring a wide array of food and libation options for both casual dining or more upscale for special occasions. We will also employ 40-50 people, all local to the area.”

Marut said they are looking forward to additional locations over the next few years.

For more information on the locations and menus visit www.thefarehouse.com.

The Fountain Inn is the second location and the first franchise for The Farehouse. (Photo/Provided)

November 2023

IN FOCUS: FOOD AND BEVERAGE

www.gsabusiness.com 17

Greer food hall tenant outgrows space — what’s next?

By Krys Merryman

T

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

he owner of a popular downtown Greer restaurant announced plans to relocate.

White Wine & Butter Chef Mike Sibert said although the restaurant will move from Cartwright Food Hall, he is not yet ready to disclose a new location.

“We are so proud of the home we’ve built here on Trade Street for White Wine & Butter Restaurant,” said Sibert. “Our vision for that concept has unfortunately outgrown the kitchen in its current home at Cartwright Food Hall. The White Wine & Butter Restaurant will be relocating to a new space, and we can’t wait to share those details with you soon.

Our catering team is still working full steam ahead, and we are proceeding as normal with all of our holiday takeaway menu offerings, scheduled events, and we are continuing to book weddings, holiday parties, private dining and more.”

The restaurant also will host ticketed dinners in the coming months at its private venue in West Greenville, “The B.” Events will include ticketed dinners like the Dia De Los Muertos Dinner featuring Chef Michael Sibert and Chef Tania Harris of Topsoil Kitchen & Market on Friday, Nov. 3, according to a news release.

Chef Mike Sibert opened White Wine & Butter in June of 2022 at Greer’s Cartwright Food Hall, which is located at 215 Trade Street. The restaurant will be moving to a new brick-and-mortar location yet to be disclosed due to outgrowing current food hall space.

“We want the Upstate to understand that this is only a temporary pause for the restaurant location, so we can focus on bringing you the best White Wine & Butter experience possible,” said Sibert.

In July, Sibert was featured on an episode of Guy’s Grocery Games on the Food Network.

Sibert was taught by renowned chefs in New Orleans and said he is working to elevate the culinary experience in the Greenville

area. A graduate of Cornell University, Sibert said he is continually finding ways to expand his craft, menu and abilities.

He was offered his first executive chef position at the age of 22 and has been called a “culinary prodigy,” because he has been known for taking something simple and creating a “masterpiece.”

Sibert opened White Wine & Butter in June of 2022 at Greer’s Cartwright Food Hall,

which is located at 215 Trade Street.

More details regarding the new location will be shared in the coming weeks, the release said.

“Due to the overwhelming support the Upstate has shown our newest concept, Anonymous Burgers, we’ve decided to continue our tradition of bringing new things to Greer with another concept that the Upstate will fall in love with,” said Sibert.

Big Bad Breakfast enters the Palmetto State

By Ross Norton

A

rnorton@scbiznews.com

breakfast restaurant that comes with a dinner-time sensibility toward food and service has opened a second South Carolina location in Mount Pleasant as the company eyes the Palmetto State for other opportunities.

Julie Bumgardner and operating partner Kraig Houk opened Big Bad Breakfast with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Suite 101 at 2664 N. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant last month. The Lowcountry also has a Big Bad Breakfast at 456 Meeting St. in Charleston.

At Big Bad Breakfast, the French toast is deep fried and served with strawberries, whip cream and a house blend of syrup. The Mother of All Biscuits is a crispy-fried dill chicken breast topped with cheddar cheese and much bigger than the biscuit that carries it. Huevos rancheros comes on stone-ground grits made specially for Big Bad Breakfast, along with saucy black beans, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, poached eggs, tortilla strips and cilantro oil. Shrimp N Grits includes jumbo shrimp sauteed with bacon and tomatoes with grits, red eye gravy and one egg cooked to order.

The oyster po boy hints at the restau-

rant’s origins.

Chef John Currence was born and raised in New Orleans. His first job after high school was cooking on a tug boat that served the oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico. College and other jobs took him to other parts of the South, including Virginia and North Carolina, before he opened his first restaurant, City Grocery, in Oxford, Miss., according to the company website.

Currence was nominated for the first time for a James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2005 and each of the next several years before winning in 2009.

He opened the first Big Bad Breakfast there in 2008. The second opened on the outskirts of Birmingham, Ala., in 2013 and that store became the laboratory where the restaurant honed its menu and the skill of its staff, according to the website.

With the Mount Pleasant opening, there are 19 locations now with two more expected to open soon, according to the website.

The name “Big Bad Breakfast” derives from the title of a book of short stories written by Currence’s friend, the late Larry Brown, Big Bad Love. “Larry was one of the most wonderful people to walk the planet and he wrote like Godzilla stomping the Garden of the

The founder of Big Bad Breakfast says he drew on his upbringing in New Orleans and time spent in other parts of the South to guide his way to a menu that includes an entirely scratch-made breakfast menu, from the jellies and jams to the cocktails. (Photo/Provided)

Month,” Currence says in the company history. “The irony is that Larry’s writing schedule kept him up until 5 or so every morning, so while breakfast was his favorite meal of the day, he never got to eat it because he was always asleep at breakfast time.”

Big Bad Breakfast is open until daily for breakfast. The breakfast menu is served through lunch, and lunch items,

such as the ham po boy and Screamin Demon, a crispy fried chicken sandwich are available for breakfast. Cocktails are also served.

“We are so excited to be here in Mount Pleasant,” Bumgardner said in an announcement through the city. “We are here making fresh biscuits every day with house-made jams, and more, so we hope you give us a try.”

18

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023

Restaurants Listed alphabetically Company

Phone/ Website / Email

Manager

Menu / Signature Dishes

Blockhouse Restaurant & Oyster Bar 1619 Augusta St. Greenville, SC 29605

864-232-4280 www.blockhouse.net dana@blockhouse.net

Dana McMullen, Charlie McMullen

Variety of seafood, steaks, sandwiches, appetizers, soups and salads, all cooked on hickory wood fire

The Blue Heron Restaurant & Sushi Bar 134 Exchange Street Pendleton, SC 29670

864-653-3364 https://blueheronfood.com/

Shaun Chastain

House-cut steak, fish, shellfish, and maki rolls

Boston Pizzeria of Greenville 1262 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607

864-329-1999 www.boston-pizzeria.business.site/ marenagrnvll@aol.com

Marina J. Lambrou

Home made Greek and Italian dinners, pasta, pizza and special salads

Caviar & Bananas 1 North Laurens St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-235-0404 www.caviarandbananas.com info@caviarandbananas.com

Lacey Smith

Breakfast: assorted bagel, muffins and yogurt parfaits.

Lunch: Sandwich and salad lunch box platters. Hor D'oevres: cheese and charcuterie boards, mini crab cakes, grilled shrimp skewers.

CityRange Steakhouse Grill 615 Haywood Road Greenville, SC 29607

864-286-9018 www.cityrange.com pd@cityrange.com

Cory Wilk, Kailey Julian

The best pound for pound beef offerings in the Upstate with great Choice and Certified Angus Beef steaks, braised short ribs, and more.

Commerce Club 55 Beattie Place, 17th Floor Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-5600 www.commerce-club.com commercegreenville@clubcorp.com

John Glaser

Customizable and chef oriented

Craft 670 Restaurant and Bar 670 Verdae Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29607

864-676-9090 www.embassysuitesgreenville.com gspes_ds@hilton.com

Jonathan Smiley, Jodi Lambert, Kyle Morrison

On-site restaurant specializing in new south cuisine

The Esso Club 129 Old Greenville Hwy. Clemson, SC 29631

864-654-5120 www.theessoclub.com

Jenna Belfance

One of the top sports bars in the country

Fuddruckers 1147 Woodruff Road Greenville, SC 29607

844-383-3669 www.myfuddruckers.com catering@myfuddruckers.com

Brian Timmons, Karley Greer

1/3 LB burger, grilled chicken or veggie burger all served Fudd fries/chips, drink, cookie and produce bar!

Greenville Marriott 1 Parkway East Greenville, SC 29615

864-297-0300 www.marriott.com/gspap mhrs.gspap.sales@marriott.com

Nicole Carr

Real southern cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients. Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Halls Chophouse 550 S. Main St., Suite 100 Greenville, SC 29601

864-335-4200 https://www.hallschophouse.com/

Pam Falvey

Steakhouse; Allen Bros. steaks; signature side dishes such as pepper jack cream corn skillet

Hare and Hound Pub 101 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC 29356

864-457-4218 www.thehareandhound.com sandra@thehareandhound.com

Patty Otto, Sandra Lawson

Crispy scored flounder, baby back ribs and prime rib in addition to steaks, burgers, fish and chips, fresh fish

Henry's Smokehouse 240 Wade Hampton Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29609

864-232-7774 www.henryssmokehouse.com henryssmokehouse@gmail.com

Tiger O'Rourke

Barbecue

Larkin's on the River 318 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-467-3020 www.larkinscatering.com info@larkinscatering.com

Bob Munnich, Kristina Murphy, Jessica Latif

Aged steaks, fresh fish, old wine; serving certified angus beef brand steaks; table-side caesar salad, seasonal entrees and house-made desserts; wine spectator awards

Laurenda's 300 S. Line St. Greer, SC 29651

864-848-3012 https://laurendascatering.com/restaurant/

Laurenda Norris

Known for having the best turkey and dressing, mac 'n' cheese and coconut cake in South Carolina! All food made from scratch, from our grandma's recip

The Lazy Goat 170 River Place Greenville, SC 29601

864-679-5299 www.thelazygoat.com info@thelazygoat.com

Beau Owens, Savanna Neeley, Michaela Leitch

Mediterranean-themed dishes with influences from Spain, Morocco, Italy, France, Greece, Africa and the Middle East; menu includes meat and cheese plates, small plates and main dishes

Northampton Wine + Dine 211-A E. Broad St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-271-3919 https://northamptonwineanddine.com/ barri@northamptonwines.com

Barri Allison

Fine dining with changing menu and featured wines

Nose Dive 116 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-373-7300 www.thenosedive.com gina@table301.com

Michaela Leitch, Rachel Maurer, Jason Phillips

Ribeye steak 12oz. - chargrilled Braveheart beef, blackened red potatoes, pickled chard, Pinot Demi

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina 74 Beacon Drive Greenville, SC 29615

864-214-2260 www.ontheborder.com O00034@ontheborder.com

Dennis G. Smith

Mexican dishes with a focus on fresh, signature and value-oriented items; full bar service, in-restaurant dining and patio

Passerelle Bistro 601 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-509-0142 www.passerellebistro.com michael@passerellebistro.com

Michael Minelli

French dishes including Mussels Passerelle, Croque Monsieur and Frites Remoulade are served alongside comfort dishes like the Bistro burger

The Pig BBQ Catering & Restaurant 109 S Main St. Mauldin, SC 29662

864-288-6615 www.thepigbbqcatering.com littlepigsbbq@gmail.com

Stephanie M. Powell, Robert 'Kenny' Powell

Hickory smoked pork sandwich, chopped plate or ribs served with side items and signature sauces; carry-out options include family pack, party pack and slider trays

Rick Erwin's Eastside 8595 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 29615

864-672-9040 www.rickerwins.com/eastside/ inforickerwins.com

Rick Erwin, Dennis Deener

A traditional American steak and seafood establishment that takes fine dining to new levels. The intimate atmosphere boasts dark woods, a wine cellar, and an inviting dining room

Rick Erwin's West End Grille 648 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-8999 www.rickerwins.com/west-end-grille info@rickerwins.com

Maria Erwin

King surf & turf, fresh catch company crab cakes

Rick's Deli & Market 101 Falls Park Drive Greenville, SC 29601

864-312-9060

Sarah E. Locke

Rick's trio salad, Camperdown Club

Ristorante Bergamo 100 N. Main St. Greenville, SC 29602

864-271-8667 www.ristorantegergamo.com hello@ristorantebergamo.com

Nello Gioia

Contemporary Northern Italian cuisine. All sauces and desserts are home made, including pastas. Herbs are organic, from our garden and green house.

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 19

Restaurants with Banquet Facilities Ranked by Total Event Capacity in the Greenville Area

•

Company

Phone / Website / Email

Executive(s) / Year Founded

Event Capacity

Private Banquet Rooms

Rick Erwin's Clemson 127 Market St. Clemson, SC 29631

864-774-5037 https://www.rickerwins.com/ Info@RickErwins.com

Rick Erwin 2014

2,212

2

Crab Crusted Flounder Signature Surf & Turf 1/2 Chicken "Under a Brick"

Craft 670 Restaurant and Bar 670 Verdae Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29607

864-676-9090 www.embassysuitesgreenville.com gspes_ds@hilton.com

Jonathan Smiley, Jodi Lambert, Kyle Morrison 1993

2,000

20

On-site restaurant specializing in new south cuisine

Larkin's on the River 318 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-467-3020 www.larkinscatering.com info@larkinscatering.com

Bob Munnich, Kristina Murphy, Jessica Latif 2005

500

7

Aged steaks, fresh fish, old wine; serving certified angus beef brand steaks; table-side caesar salad, seasonal entrees and house-made desserts; wine spectator awards

Juniper 315 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-720-2950 www.junipergvl.com reservations@junipergvl.com

William Ruwer 2021

450

3

A garden oasis, rooftop views, delectable dishes, artisan cocktails, and weekend entertainment

Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill 208 S. Main St. Anderson, SC 29624

864-226-8945 www.sullivansmetrogrill.com bill@sullivansmetrogrill.com

Kellye A. Rainey, Bill Nickas 1999

360

2

Trigger de Mere: broiled fillet of grouper topped with grilled shrimp and scallops in light sherry cream sauce with saffron rice; all entrees come with a salad and choice from 15-20 homemade desserts

Heirloom, A Milltown Eatery 1 805 Spartan Blvd.

Spartanburg, SC 29301

864-913-1212 www.heirloomsc.com chef@heirloomsc.com

Taylor Correll-Greer, JR Bandy 2018

350

8

Crafted to be passed and shared; elevated southern classics feature locally farmed and sourced ingredients paired with handcrafted signature cocktails, local beers, wines and spirits

Oak & Honey 200 E. Washington St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-720-2900 www.oakandhoneygvl.com beehappy@oakhoneygvl.com

Steven Musolf, Jay Becknell 2019

350

8

California/Mediterranean-inspired fare from a seasonal menu with dishes created in-house from in season, fresh ingredients

Commerce Club 55 Beattie Place, 17th Floor Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-5600 www.commerce-club.com commercegreenville@clubcorp.com

John Glaser 1984

250

7

Customizable and chef oriented

Stax Omega Diner 1 72 Orchard Park Drive Greenville, SC 29615

864-297-6639 www.staxs.net staxrestaurants@yahoo.com

George Koumoustiotis 1988

250

0

Menu includes burgers, salads, wraps, crepes, omelets, skillets, steaks, seafood and chops

Tucker's Restaurant & Catering 3501 Clemson Blvd.

Anderson, SC 29621

864-844-2452 www.tuckersrestaurant.net tuckersinc@yahoo.com

KD Simpson, Hamid Mohsseni 1995

180

4

Specializing in fresh ingredients and scratch-made dressings and sauces coupled with American cuisine; customized menus to each individual event

The Lazy Goat 170 River Place Greenville, SC 29601

864-679-5299 www.thelazygoat.com info@thelazygoat.com

Beau Owens, Savanna Neeley, Michaela Leitch 2007

110

2

Mediterranean-themed dishes with influences from Spain, Morocco, Italy, France, Greece, Africa and the Middle East; menu includes meat and cheese plates, small plates and main dishes

CityRange Steakhouse Grill 774 Spartan Blvd.

Spartanburg, SC 29301

864-327-3333 www.cityrange.com pdspa@cityrange.com

David Szustak, Acadia Kant 2005

100

2

American cuisine is chef inspired and award winning. Full dine-in menu or custom menu with a range of appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert options for lunch and dinner Banquet room and patio

CityRange Steakhouse Grill 615 Haywood Road Greenville, SC 29607

864-286-9018 www.cityrange.com pd@cityrange.com

Cory Wilk, Kailey Julian 1998

100

3

The best pound for pound beef offerings in the Upstate with great Choice and Certified Angus Beef steaks, braised short ribs, and more.

Passerelle Bistro 601 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-509-0142 www.passerellebistro.com michael@passerellebistro.com

Michael Minelli 2013

100

1

French dishes including Mussels Passerelle, Croque Monsieur and Frites Remoulade are served alongside comfort dishes like the Bistro burger

Roost Restaurant 220 N. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-298-2424 www.roostrestaurant.com dan.wooley@hyatt.com

Zac Leepper, Dan Wooley 2013

100

2

Pimento cheese crusted filet, sweet grass pimento cheese, Au Gratin thyme potato, seasonal vegetables, red wine reduction

Soby's New South Cuisine 207 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-7007 www.sobys.com info@sobys.com

Whitney Mabry, Michaela Leitch 1997

100

2

Contemporary cuisine with traditional Southern ingredients; fried green tomatoes, New Orleansstyle shrimp and grits; white chocolate banana cream pie

Halls Chophouse 550 S. Main St., Suite 100 Greenville, SC 29601

864-335-4200 www.hallschophousegreenville.com

Pam Falvey 2015

65

3

Steakhouse; Allen Bros. steaks; signature side dishes such as pepper jack cream corn skillet

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina 74 Beacon Drive Greenville, SC 29615

864-214-2260 www.ontheborder.com O00034@ontheborder.com

Dennis G. Smith 1996

54

1

Mexican dishes with a focus on fresh, signature and value-oriented items; full bar service, inrestaurant dining and patio

Hare and Hound Pub 101 E. Rutherford St. Landrum, SC 29356

864-457-4218 www.thehareandhound.com sandra@thehareandhound.com

Patty Otto, Sandra Lawson 1993

45

1

Crispy scored flounder, baby back ribs and prime rib in addition to steaks, burgers, fish and chips, fresh fish

Blockhouse Restaurant & Oyster Bar 1619 Augusta St. Greenville, SC 29605

864-232-4280 www.blockhouse.net dana@blockhouse.net

Dana McMullen, Charlie McMullen 1981

32

1

Variety of seafood, steaks, sandwiches, appetizers, soups and salads, all cooked on hickory wood fire

Rick Erwin's Eastside 8595 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 29615

864-672-9040 www.rickerwins.com/eastside/

2015

26

1

A traditional American steak and seafood establishment that takes fine dining to new levels. The intimate atmosphere boasts dark woods, a wine cellar, and an inviting dining room

Level 10 225 W. Main St., 10th Floor Spartanburg, SC 29306

864-531-8825 https://www.rickerwins.com/level-10/ Info@RickErwins.com

2017

24

1

Shrimp Gnocchi Seared Duck Breast Signature Surf & Turf

Rick Erwin's West End Grille 648 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-232-8999 www.rickerwins.com/west-end-grille info@rickerwins.com

Maria Erwin 2005

24

1

King surf & turf, fresh catch company crab cakes

Nose Dive 116 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-373-7300 www.thenosedive.com gina@table301.com

Michaela Leitch, Rachel Maurer, Jason Phillips 2011

22

1

Ribeye steak 12oz. - chargrilled Braveheart beef, blackened red potatoes, pickled chard, Pinot Demi

Rick Erwin's Greer 104 E. Poinsett St. Greer, SC 29651

864-527-5237 https://www.rickerwins.com/greer/

2023

14

1

Atlantic Salmon Sesame Crusted Tuna Signature Surf & Turf

Mary's at Falls Cottage 615 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29601

864-298-0005 www.fallscottage.com mary@fallscottage.com

Mary Jones 1995

-

-

Specialty sandwiches, salads, soups in restaurant; full range of items for catered events

Menu / Signature Dishes

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.

1 2022 data.

At Work

BUSINESS DIGEST | PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Business Digest

Grant supports computing at Furman George C. Shields of Furman University, along with Maria A. Gomez of Mount Holyoke College and Carol A. Parish of the University of Richmond, have been awarded a $300,000 National Science Foundation grant to expand computing resources and student training capacity for MERCURY (the Molecular Education and Research Consortium in Undergraduate Computational Chemistry). Shields, Gomez and Parish founded MERCURY in 2001. Grant funds will support the purchase of an additional high-performance computer cluster to join existing MERCURY resources hosted at Clemson University’s Palmetto Cluster High Performance Computing Center. The grant will enable 13 more undergraduate-focused research groups to benefit, growing the consortium to 47 computational scientists at 41 institutions nationwide.

Comcast, Charter launch Xumo Stream Box Xumo, a joint venture of Comcast and Charter, announced the launch of Xumo Stream Box to Spectrum households, with plans to bring it to Xfinity homes soon. Xumo Stream Box is powered by Comcast’s Entertainment Operating System designed to make television content easy to navigate with aggregated searching across apps and curated content offerings based on customers’ interests and subscriptions.

Grant supports genetics testing, care for infants, toddlers

Greenwood Genetic Center said it received a $191,779 grant from the S.C. Center for Rural and Primary Care to expand access to genetic services for BabyNet-eligible infants and toddlers. BabyNet is South Carolina’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers under 3 years of age with developmental delays, or who have conditions associated with developmental delays. The grants will help improve access to care, shorten wait times and provide earlier genetic diagnoses for this vulnerable group of patients, the center said.

The grant will support the expansion of computing resources and student training capacity. (Photo/ Provided)

Barbara Stone Foundation receives grant

The Barbara Stone Foundation said it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy arm of S.C. Student Loan Corp. Funds will support expansion of the UP (Upward Professionals) Employment Initiative, which supports people with disabilities. The foundation works to address systemic issues and barriers surrounding limited hiring practices, earning caps for people with disabil-

TealHaus donated $1,500 to Meals on Wheels.

(Photo/Provided)

‘Haus Party’ supports Meals on Wheels

Greenville Women Giving accepting applications

Greenville firm launches new multivitamin product

Greenville-based NovaFerrum said it added a new adult multivitamin with iron to its line of health products. The product, called Yum!, pairs NovaFerrum’s patented iron-taste masking technology with formulations flavored with all-natural ingredients like chocolate, raspberry and katemfe fruit. The company said iron deficiency is the top nutritional deficiency globally.

Precision Walls Inc., a contractor with an office in Greer, said it acquired SPS Corp., which has a location in Apex, N.C. Founded in 1982, Apex specializes in exterior glazing systems and exterior metal panel systems. The acquisition expands Precision’s serve offerings, according to a news release.

Charitable organizations merge

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina said it merged with The Vision Institute.

The merger allows the organization to provide visual impairment services to individuals of all ages and expands resources to provide vision rehabilitation services regardless of location.

Habitat launches initiative to support Black homeownership

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville said it formed a community-led initiative called the Advancing Black Homeownership Project to create new pathways to homeownership and family growth for Black people across the county. The project is supported by a grant from Habitat for Humanity International. Highlights of the initiative include development of a racial-equity lending strategy and property acquisition fund through Habitat Mortgage Solutions, the agency’s community development financial institution, along with financial coaching and counseling for applicants.

ities and inappropriate placement of work-capable individuals in day programs.

Precision Walls acquired SPS Corp.

Barbara Stone Foundation staff and supporters accept the gift from Power:Ed. (Photo/Provided)

ing to a news release. The ReGenesis Community Family Pharmacy is located at 750 S. Church St., Spartanburg, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Greenville marketing agency TealHaus Strategies said it donated $1,500 to Meals on Wheels Greenville County. Funds were raised at the company’s latest quarterly “Haus Party’’ at Double Stamp Brewery. The quarterly event brings together former and current clients, family and friends to learn about the impact charitable organizations have on the community. The April “Haus Party” raised more than $2,000 for the Greenville Humane Society.

ReGensis opens Spartanburg pharmacy

ReGenesis Health Care said it opened its first retail pharmacy, Community Family Pharmacy, on the southside of Spartanburg. Community Family Pharmacy accepts all prescriptions from all medical providers, accord-

Greenville Women Giving said it is now accepting grant applications.

The organizations seeks to fund grants that have the potential for high impact in the areas of the arts, education, environment, health and human services. Grants are funded by member contributions and are awarded once per year based on the cumulative voting of GWG members.

Greenville Women Giving welcomes grant requests from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organizations that offer services to citizens of Greenville County. Funding is provided for general operating support, establishment of new programs, continuation or expansion of existing programs and for capital improvements. Applications and additional details are available online at www.greenvillewomengiving.org/grants/.

November 2023

www.gsabusiness.com 21

People in the News GOVERNMENT Pickens County Council Vice Chairman Roy Costner III was elected president of the South Carolina Association of Counties for 202324. Costner is business development manager at Spectrum Reach.

HEALTH CARE Dr. Philip Van Hale joined the Greenville Health Authority board of trustees. He practiced pathology at the Greenville Hospital System and was a department chair prior to its conversion to Prisma Health.

INSURANCE Rodney Evans joined The Insurance Source as an administrative assistant. Evans recently graduated from North Greenville University.

LAW Cassidy Coates Price announced that attorney Fred W. “Trey” Suggs III received the annual Worthy Adversary Award from the South Carolina Association For Justice.

Suggs’s practice includes defending healthcare professionals, assisting companies and business owners in navigating business breakups, negotiating and litigating contract disputes, enforcing and defending non-competition agreements, and representing businesses in complex litigation matters.

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA hired Dennison LaRue and William “Will” D. Smith. LaRue focuses his practice on intellectual property and litigation. Smith previously served as judicial law clerk to the Hon. J. Cordell Maddox Jr., South Carolina Circuit Court.

LawyerLisa LLC announced that attorney Rebecca Laney Anderson joined the firm’s division in Simpsonville, Upstate Elder Law. She is a graduate of the Charleston School of Law. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. announced that Patrick Bradley was named vice president of the Young Alumni Council at the University of South Carolina School of Law for the 2023 to 2024 term. Upon completion of his service as vice president, he will then lead the council as president for the 2024 to 2025 term. Bradley is a construction and commercial litigator based in Greenville.

MANUFACTURING AFL announced that Lisa Gunton, vice president of human resources, has been named to the 2023 class of

Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Inductees were nominated by their colleagues and industry peers and selected by a judging panel of Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation.

NONPROFITS The Salvation Army of Greenville, Pickens and Oconee Counties added new Area Commanders Majors Mike and Christine Harris. They most recently served at the Salvational Army Divisional Headquarters in Dallas.

Greenville Jewish Federation hired Courtney Tessler as CEO. Tessler has served on the Federation board since 2015.

The Barbara Stone Foundation presented Robert “Skeeter” Powell of David’s Table the 2023 Barbara Stone Community Leadership Award. Powell founded David’s Table 13 years ago, a Christ-centered nonprofit that helps young adults with disabilities socialize.

LaTonya Phillips, a clinical applications specialist with Agfa Healthcare, is the new board chair for Habitat for Humanity of Greenville LaTonya Phillips County. In addition, the Habitat Greenville board added three members: Beth Paul, general manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena; Sam Erwin, Mid Atlantic regional president for First Horizon Bank; and David Mitchell, president and CEO of Talent Management Solutions.

The Piedmont Health Foundation and the Greenville Homeless Alliance announced a partnership to hire DeAndra Hillman as housing navigaLaTonya Phillips tor.

Jasmine Road named Lisa O’Connell-Hall CEO. She most recently served as vice president of resource development and interim CEO at Chapman Cultural Center.

TECHNOLOGY ScanSource Inc. announced the appointment of Vernon J. Nagel to its board of directors. Nagel retired as executive chairman of Acuity Brand Inc. in 2020.

Flagler Technologies hired Matt Maypother to join its sales team covering the Carolinas. Maypother previously worked at Dell Technologies.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS Sunland Logistics Solutions hired Stephen Sargunaraj as vice president of Sunland Management System and Implementations.

He Stephen Sargunaraj joins Sunland with more than 30 years of experience in supply chain management, industrial engineering, business development and quality management systems.

Hari Sivaprakasam Sunland Logistics Solutions named Hari Sivaprakasam president. Sivaprakasam joined Sunland in 2016 and has served as COO.

BANKING & FINANCE Wagner Wealth Management named Jennifer Osgood president and equity partner.

Dan Wagner, the firm’s founder, continues in his role as Jennifer Osgood CEO and managing partner. Osgood is a licensed wealth advisor with more than 20 years of experience in banking and financial services. She helped found Wagner Wealth Management in 2007.

Countybank promoted David Tompkins to senior vice president and commercial banking manager.

Tompkins began his career David Tompkins with Countybank in 1996 and most recently served as Greenwood market executive.

Tax Credit Marketplace LLC promoted Corey Memmott to chief investment officer.

Memmott joined TCM in 2021 and initially served as investment portfoCorey Memmott lio manager.

CONSTRUCTION Landmark promoted Jeff Kerr to CFO. Kerr had served as director of accounting for the firm since 2017.

Landmark also named Anthony M. Garcia COO. Garcia most recently worked as vice president of Alabama

Jeff Kerr

Anthony M. Garcia

and Mississippi markets for Rogers Group Inc. headquartered in Nashville.

EDUCATION Green Charter Schools named Maria Werner founding principal of Green Charter School Simpsonville set to open in 2024. Werner Maria Werner is currently an adjunct instructor in the College of Education at North Greenville University.

ENGINEERING

Shannon Epps

James Williams

Devita promoted Shannon Epps and James Williams to principals.

Epps serves as electrical department manager for the firm’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural division. Williams leads the company’s branch office in Petersburg, Va.

REAL ESTATE Group photo but they’re not identified so we probably just need to run this without a photo SVN Blackstream promoted Dustin Tenney and Daniel Holloway to senior vice presidents of retail. The company also hired Nate Hober and Chris Philbrick. Hober is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Philbrick is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors announced that Hunter Hurst, Dan Joyner, Angela Schmidt and Jamie Lou Lane joined the company’s Midtown office as sales associates and Maddy Wright joined the company’s Augusta Road office as a sales associate. Hurst is a listing agent for LS Homes, a local builder.

22

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023

Annual winter wonderland returns to Main Street

By Krys Merryman

T

kmerryman@scbiznews.com

he beloved tradition of Greenville’s Ice on Main is gearing back up to create a winter wonderland for Greenville residents and visitors alike.

United Community Ice on Main is an open outdoor ice-skating rink in the heart of downtown Greenville. This year, this winter tradition and favorite activity of many in the Upstate will open Nov. 15 at Village Green near the Courtyard Marriott.

Recently opened restaurants Indaco and O-Ku are getting in on the holiday fun starting Nov. 14 with seasonal specials and programming running through the full season, ending on Jan. 14, according to a news release.

At Indaco, rink-side tables will offer the full menu, along with festive specials, including hot cocoa with toasted marshmallow syrup and hot apple cider; Ya Filthy Animal with Rumchata peppermint, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallow syrup; and Apple Doesn’t Fall Far with Evan Williams Apple Bourbon, fresh cider and cinnamon. Indaco also will make holiday cookies available to order through the outside

The United Ice on Main returns to Greenville’s Village Green on Nov. 15. (Photo/Provided)

bar, served to-go.

At O-Ku, the team will pay homage to Japanese traditions with a classic Christmas Cake, a sponge cake with a whipped cream filling, frosting on the outside, and topped with fresh strawberries, and Toasted Rice Toddy, made with toasted rice milk steeped in cinnamon sticks.

Public skate begins at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, and the rink will be open seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day.: • Monday-Thursday: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Friday: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Greenville children (and adults) get a taste of the New England holiday season at Ice on Main. (Photo/ Provided)

FAST. UNFILTERED. FRESH. GSABizWire.com

Dedicated to serving up business announcements fast & unfiltered.

Get your message in front of the top decision-makers in the Upstate as they stay up-to-date on the people and businesses making moves in the Upstate.

For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com

Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

(Image/Provided)

Getting a job while evading the algorithm and (mostly) avoiding recruiters

A

fter more than a decade in engineering, I became a recruiter specializing in recruiting in the manufacturing environment.

Though my work uses technology, I believe that connecting directly to another person is the ideal way to find work and find people. Recruiting often funnels people away from other people, and towards virtual contact. If you are applying for jobs online, you TALBERT have chosen (and sometimes been forced to choose) the most impersonal transactional process possible.

In most cases when you apply online your resume does not go to the decision maker; it goes to that place we refer to as The Black Hole. Sometimes your resume is viewed by AI — a tech tool that matches, often inexpertly, the keywords in your resume. That’s why job seekers are instructed to construct a different resume for each position -- because AI can’t recognize the application of your background to a different job.

Sometimes a real person will read

your resume because the hiring manager doesn’t have time to eliminate the ones that aren’t a fit. The first person to view your resume may be experienced at what they do but they’re often not experienced in your particular area of expertise, which isn’t their fault. When there are several degrees of separation between the hiring manager and the initial person screening resumes, it’s challenging for that screener to determine the fit. They also won’t be able to assess your transferable skills that apply to the position.

If you apply online enough times you might get lucky. But the real solution is the same as it’s always been. It’s about the relationship. Somehow you must get in front of the decision maker so that he or she can see you. Although resumes are important, when you have a relationship the resume matters less.

Here are some tactical tips to navigate this painful virtual world.

1) If you are applying online, research the decision makers for those jobs. Find the hiring managers on LinkedIn and reach out. Let them know that you’ve just applied for a position at their company and ask to treat them to a cup of coffee and learn more. If you really are a fit, they will often talk with you.

2) Reach out to your network and

let them know, confidentially, that you are looking. Your network consists of your customers (know whom to trust), vendors, school buddies, groups you’re involved in, church members, friends, and even family. LinkedIn messaging is a good way to do much of this work.

3) Find groups and participate in them. There is almost always an industry networking group for what you do.

Find groups for your hobbies. Engage in church or another faith gathering. Invite contacts to coffee and engage in some industry specific networking.

If you’re not known by other people, you’re in trouble. Start getting known.

4) Everything above can be done without a recruiter. But it’s a good idea to keep in touch with your recruiter. Pick one that you like and who knows your field, who is willing to get to know you, and put your best interests at heart. A recruiter’s trade is about knowing great companies and about having an excellent network of candidates that he has cultivated before there is a position. You should know him or her well enough to reach out when considering an internal promotion (which won’t bring a commission), to get advice on your resume, to forward a job posting before you apply online to see if he has a connection. Sometimes I don’t have relationships

that I can leverage. But sometimes, I went hunting with the owner last week.

Recently a woman who worked in continuous improvement in manufacturing reached out to me about a great opportunity that was an external move. I helped her evaluate the opportunity, negotiate and present a counteroffer, and coached her through the process. I did this because we had a connection, and I did it without the possibility of a commission.

There are great recruiters out there who specialize in your field who can be a long-term resource for your career.

Gary Vaynerchuck, the serial entrepreneur and immigrant from Belarus, says it well.

“Saying hello doesn’t have an ROI. It’s about building relationships.”

Ben Talbert is the president and CEO of Better Than Found, a full-service professional and executive recruitment firm focusing on industrial sectors in manufacturing, engineering, and construction.

We want to hear from you Write: Ross Norton, Editor SC Biz News 35B Cessna Court Greenville, S.C. 29607 Email: rnorton@scbiznews.com

24

www.gsabusiness.com

November 2023