File Photo
The decor of the Blue Ridge Brewing Company will mirror Greenville's brewpub.
Bob Hiller, founder and owner of Blue Ridge, said downtown Greer can expect a new neighbor this fall. “We’ve already done a tremendous amount of work there and can’t give a set date for opening, but I would say it would be this fall,” Hiller said.
The brewpub, also known for its unique menu, will occupy 308 Trade Street. That puts an exclamation point on the shops at the Depot, which claimed its newest tenant, La Bouteille, a wine and beer boutique, scheduled to open Tuesday.
“Locally, (Blue Ridge) extends Trade Street another block at the railroad tracks,” said Kyle Mensing, Commercial Development Director at Greer Development Corporation. “It will start changing traffic and walking patterns downtown.”
Blue Ridge Brewing will showcase its rooftop outdoor dining, the only facility of its kind in Greer. “We did a good bit of work upstairs over the summer,” Hiller said. “A few more weeks of hard work inside and we could set an opening date soon.”
“The rooftop dining is the only one in downtown and unique to his location in Greenville,” Mensing said.
Restaurants do not like opening in winter and with Oktoberfest (Oct. 3) scheduled downtown, that gives Hiller a window to expand downtown Greer’s brand as a foodie destination.
The Greer restaurant will mirror Greenville’s. “It will be the same setup and same menu,” Hiller said. The décor, graphics and beer names all reference outdoor adventures. All handcrafted ales are brewed on site.
The historic district’s landscape is changing with Wild Ace Pizza and Pub’s move to Depot Street the first new construction since the city hall complex and park.
Mensing said the increased occupancy of storefronts is enlightening visitors of Greer Station’s value as a restaurant and retail destination.
“My perception is the level of the dynamic downtown has been enhanced with the addition of Southern Sisters (Poinsett Street), Carolina Vine and Branch, Platform42 and La Bouteille at the shops at the Depot. Wild Ace gives a new presence at its location.
“It gives validation that people want to come to Greer,” Mensing said.
Hiller’s Blue Ridge Brewing Company also has a history. His brewpub is the oldest in South Carolina, opening in 1995.