Sparkle City Eateries

[westsider28]

Sparkleman, I think you need to calm down. I'm not desperate enough for a Mexican restaurant that I'd be willing to spoil the potential of a prime DT lot. And as spartanburgh mentioned, the Urban Code would thankfully prevent that. Secondly, there have been restaurants in some locations on Morgan Square in the recent past (Cornbread to Caviar, Justin's Steakhouse), so it's obviously not impossible to rent. Thirdly, if they've got the money to build new, they've got the money to rent or even buy an existing DT building. Here's a PDF of available properties, some of which are quite reasonably priced.

spartanburgh, thanks for your info. This seems to be solidly in the rumor/speculation realm right now.

Edited September 27, 2012 by westsider28

[gman430]

I'm gonna have to agree with westsider28 regarding this. I would much rather see a restaurant locate in one of the current vacant buildings downtown then see a whole new one get built especially if it is only one story tall. And like westsider28 said, I really don't see how leasing a current vacant building and fixing it up would cost more than building a whole new one either. I imagine it would be a good bit cheaper.

[Sparkleman]

Sparkleman, I think you need to calm down. I'm not desperate enough for a Mexican restaurant that I'd be willing to spoil the potential of a prime DT lot. And as spartanburgh mentioned, the Urban Code would thankfully prevent that. Secondly, there have been restaurants in some locations on Morgan Square in the recent past (Cornbread to Caviar, Justin's Steakhouse), so it's obviously not impossible to rent. Thirdly, if they've got the money to build new, they've got the money to rent or even buy an existing DT building. Here's a PDF of available properties, some of which are quite reasonably priced.

spartanburgh, thanks for your info. This seems to be solidly in the rumor/speculation realm right now.

Some prime spot, its been vacant ever since they razed whatever was there before the now grassy knoll. I think if indeed Cribbs is behind this they want it near the other restaurant. Also I think it would help build the Grain District. If you look closer up to E.Main, nothing that is anywhere near 1st Baptist church has been a hit. The one bar (was it Clydes?) that was up that way failed miserably. Everyone wants to be near Morgan square.

All you clowns that push the urban code or whatever that is need to remember that all these regs stifle growth. Who effing cares how tall a building is, how many floors it has, if there's a road diet outside, etc?

In another matter, I arrived back in my hometown the other night after an aniversary dinner with my wife (in Saluda) and we were gonna get an after dinner drink. You know what? There was no where cool to go or open so we had to go home. Thats just sad...

[Spartan]

Folks, it's not about how tall a building is, it's about how the form/shape of the building and how it is located on the parcel. The urban code does not regulate hight but it does suggest proper urban form in a place that desperately needs it. Spartanburg's many failed attempts at "good development" over the past 40 years have been complete garbage and have destroyed downtown as a result. These inhuman monstrosities we call "progress" -and worse, accept them as such- are nearly an insurmountable obstacle in creating a Spartanburg built for people.

Remember these gems: The County Courthouse, City Hall, "The Opportunity Block," The Herald-Journal building, The BB&T/Dennys Tower, Broadwalk, THe Marriott, Advance America, etc. They are all terrible examples of urban development.

Regulations do not stifle growth. Good regulations that spur good development enhance growth. It's been proven time and time again that if you know your neighbor has to adhere to the same standards you do that it creates a sense of security. It improves property values as a result. Don't believe me? Look at how many "subdivisions" have HOAs. They all exist for the same reason. Zoning functions in much the same way. Urban codes that have been 1) adopted and 2) enforced, have created a lot of high quality development in those cities. Sure you may have the conventional developer that says "i dont want to fool with that" but those are the developers that build shitty buildings. A good developer will want to work with the existing regulations to build a quality product.

We've had hints of progress in Spartanburg: The Cultural Center, The George, The Carolina Bank building, the building at Main & Liberty, and the Library Condos to name a few. And everything built before 1945. These buildings all have good urban form. Some of them are not immediately successful, and it has more to do with the market conditions in Spartanburg than anything. If Spartanburg goes back to selling out to the lowest common denominator like has been done for nearly half a century we will be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past and mire in an average downtown and live in the shadow of that city to the west.

[westsider28]

Here's an article about a proposed restaurant in an old bank building on East Main (near Hillcrest). The "neighborhood" (really 2 houses with a huge wooded buffer) is complaining about the zoning change that would allow this restaurant. Their arguments are really weak. There's a Zaxby's and an Aldi right next door. And the building owner is willing to be accommodating. I hope City Council allows this rezoning. A restaurant is much better than a vacant building.

[roads-scholar]

Here's an article about a proposed restaurant in an old bank building on East Main (near Hillcrest). The "neighborhood" (really 2 houses with a huge wooded buffer) is complaining about the zoning change that would allow this restaurant. Their arguments are really weak. There's a Zaxby's and an Aldi right next door. And the building owner is willing to be accommodating. I hope City Council allows this rezoning. A restaurant is much better than a vacant building.

Agree. I drove by this location yesterday and didn't see a problem. Hopefully the "restaurant" is something with a good reputation.

[westsider28]

A new restaurant is coming to the old Spice of Life building. It will be called Back Porch and feature New Orleans-inspired fare. At least this concept is something unique for Spartanburg.

Herald-Journal article

[hub-city]

I hope they do have good gumbo etc... Love me some New Orleans food.

[drexel]

Not actually a place to eat, but the Cigar Bar closed this weekend. Heard it was a lack of business. I will miss going there. I do not smoke but like a brief time around cigar smoke.

[westsider28]

There are now signs on the former Blockbuster space at the corner of Reidville and Blackstock for Jake's Wayback Burgers.  They look to be similar to Five Guys.  This would be the restaurant's first SC location.  Good to see!

 

Edit: Here are some photos.

 

Edited December 30, 2012 by westsider28

[Sparkleman]

I heard today that there is a good chance that Renato's will make the move up on to Main St. It seems the new community college is purchasing businesses around the school to be used for parking. Just a rumor, but figured I'd post it.

[spartanburgh]

I have heard Renato's is going in the old Adeva Day Spa space next to Delaney's!! I hope the Community College is not going to make a parking lot out of that block of Kennedy St.

[westsider28]

Why does SCC need more parking?  They've got a 750-space deck across the street.  And the whole point of a downtown campus was to serve people who couldn't drive to the main campus (i.e. they have no car).

 

That's great news about Renato's, though.  They kind of get forgotten in their current location.  Hopefully, a Main Street location will raise their profile.  I've never eaten there, but I've heard the food is excellent (if a bit pricey).

[barkmenton]

Funny, I was thinking just two days ago how SCC won't necessarily help Renato's, but that I could see some quick/fun/innovative/inexpensive eateries popping up along Kennedy St. to serve the SCC crowd and increased traffic/visibility. Great to see an established restaurant moving downtown! We have not been to Renato's, but will after the move.

 

What used to be in the drive-thru further east on Kennedy, just past the shopping center with Farmer's Table?

 

I agree, that would be a bit lame if those places will just become parking. At least make it parking + a small coffee shop, smoothie shop, etc.

Edited February 7, 2013 by barkmenton

[westsider28]

And on another note, Wild Ace Pizza and Pub of Greer is going to open a location in the former Justin's / C&S Bank building on Morgan Square in April.  It's funny, because I drove past there today and noticed the NAI Earle Furman sign now said "Leased".  Guess this explains that!

 

Herald-Journal article

 

Another nugget in the article: the owners also own and operate the Acme General Store in DT Greer, and they want to eventually open a retail operation in DT Spartanburg as well.

Edited February 8, 2013 by westsider28

[Sparkleman]

Funny, I was thinking just two days ago how SCC won't necessarily help Renato's, but that I could see some quick/fun/innovative/inexpensive eateries popping up along Kennedy St. to serve the SCC crowd and increased traffic/visibility. Great to see an established restaurant moving downtown! We have not been to Renato's, but will after the move.

 

What used to be in the drive-thru further east on Kennedy, just past the shopping center with Farmer's Table?

 

I agree, that would be a bit lame if those places will just become parking. At least make it parking + a small coffee shop, smoothie shop, etc.

 

That used to be the original Hardees like one of the first ones ever. We used to go there before basketball games at Evans Jr High and you could get a burger, fries, & a coke for a buck (that was 1978 by the way). There was talk of putting a Longhorn in there at one time (5-7 years ago maybe), but as usaul that faded.

[barkmenton]

And on another note, Wild Ace Pizza and Pub of Greer is going to open a location in the former Justin's / C&S Bank building on Morgan Square in April.  It's funny, because I drove past there today and noticed the NAI Earle Furman sign now said "Leased".  Guess this explains that!

 

Herald-Journal article

 

Another nugget in the article: the owners also own and operate the Acme General Store in DT Greer, and they want to eventually open a retail operation in DT Spartanburg as well.

 

This is fantastic news; my wife and I walk our dogs downtown often and have remarked many times how that building would make an incredible pizza & beer joint. Makes me happy to see the C&S building revived as my great grandfather was a C&S employee for a long time.

[Spartan]

The first Hardee's ever was somewhere in NC, but the first franchise location was in Spartanburg, though I always heard it was in the old Hardee's location on Kennedy St, closer to Pine.

 

Good news about Renato's though. That will be a great addition to Morgan Square.

[drexel]

Has anyone dined at the BacK Porch? I believed it opened up last week.  

[Sparkleman]

We were down there for drinks on Friday night and here are a few observations.

 

1) The inside and especially the bar area are pretty cool. They took some time and care to do this right and it shows. Lets just hope this is not money wasted when they could have opened earlier.

 

2) There was a big crowd out Friday as it was opening weekend. According to the bartender many were from out of town as this is the only "true" New Orleans style joint in the upstate. The wait staff is very well trained (something usually not seen in the Burg) and I was told that they brought in waite staff specialists to teach the staff how to perform their jobs.

 

3) The menu IMHO is somewhat disappointing as it seems like "light" fare and not very spicy or inventive. In fact a few New Orleans staples are not even on the menu. I'm sure they are trying to appeal to everyone by doing this, but you need to be what you say you are.

 

4) The online menu is still not up yet. In the electronic age and social media, this should have been the first thing they did.

 

It should be a valuable addition to downtown if the food is good (we just drank) and if they advertise enough to let folks know they are there.

Edited February 19, 2013 by Sparkleman

[roads-scholar]

We were don there for drinks on Friday night and here are a few observations.

 

1) The inside and especially the bar area are pretty cool. They took some time and care to do this right and it shows. Lets just hope this is not money wasted when they could have opened earlier.

 

2) There was a big crowd out Friday as it was opening weekend. According to the bartender many were from out of town as this is the only "true" New Orleans style joint in the upstate. The wait staff is very well trained (something usually not seen in the Burg) and I was told that they brought in waite staff specialists to teach the staff how to perform their jobs.

 

3) The menu IMHO is somewhat disappointing as it seems like "light" fare and not very spicy or inventive. In fact a few New Orleans staples are not even on the menu. I'm sure they are trying to appeal to everyone by doing this, but you need to be what you say you are.

 

4) The online menu is still not up yet. In the electronic age and social media, this should have been the first thing they did.

 

It should be a valuable addition to downtown if the food is good (we just drank) and if they advertise enough to let folks know they are there.

What sort of sign do they have on St. John Street? 

[westsider28]

Signage is up for Wild Ace.  They're still renovating the interior.  I'm not sure when they'll open; probably early to mid May.

 

[drexel]

Had a slice of pizza at Wild Ace Pizza Pub this weekend. Thought it was really good. Nice decor, but need to work on sound system. Wish them well!!!!    

[Sparkleman]

I was there this weekend as well bought we only had a few beers. What they have done with the place is nice but the bar area is currently too crowded with high bar tables 2' from the front of the bar. It congests things but overall the place looks pretty good. In fact it looks better as a pizza place than it ever did as an upscale restaurant. The still have the bar and more tables upstairs although at this point, there are no taps upstairs.

 

The bar scene is Sparkle City is beginning to get interesting. Now if we could ever get authentic Mexican we'd really start rolling.

[roads-scholar]

I was there this weekend as well bought we only had a few beers. What they have done with the place is nice but the bar area is currently too crowded with high bar tables 2' from the front of the bar. It congests things but overall the place looks pretty good. In fact it looks better as a pizza place than it ever did as an upscale restaurant. The still have the bar and more tables upstairs although at this point, there are no taps upstairs.

 

The bar scene is Sparkle City is beginning to get interesting. Now if we could ever get authentic Mexican we'd really start rolling.

I'm not a beer drinker but enjoy pizza.  Very anxious to hear about their pizza-making prowness.