Before Lisa Suber could open the Stomping Grounds Coffee and Wine Bar in downtown Greer, there was much work to be done. Here she checks out details as work was progressing on the business.
This area of the Stomping Grounds Coffee and Wine Bar features big local art and comfortable furniture with an electric fireplace. The two wine bottle trees add personality to the newest member of Greer’s “Restaurant Row”.
The Stomping Grounds Coffee and Wine Bar, at 208 Trade Street, opens at 7 a.m. as the newest addition to Greer’s “Restaurant Row”. The grand opening next month will feature the launch of the wine bar
Lisa Suber, opening her first business, won’t be able to offer any excuses for arriving late. She lives in a loft apartment, with her son, Jackson, within walking distance of her store.
Contractors were putting the finishing touches on the lighting and other minute details as Suber and manager, Paulette Becker, were cleaning, polishing and placing the final décor and inventory in place.
Hours are 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Call 801-1055.
“This is where I’m supposed to be,” Suber said. “I wanted to live someplace close to my store and not drive in from a different town. I have not heard a negative thing about Greer and everybody is so positive.”
Suber said it was important to offer a warm, comfortable atmosphere for her customers. “I want them to come in and relax and do some work if they like,” she said. With that in mind a conference room in the rear is offered free for private meetings or work.
Coffees roasted at Greenville’s West End Coffee Co. will be featured with specialty drinks. Suber took a weeklong barista class in Portland, Ore., to learn her craft and train her staff. The menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner fare. “Plus we have some of the most decadent desserts made by Tricia Simpson of Greer,” Suber said.
International and American wines will be offered. Suber said wine tastings will also be held.
The shop’s décor maintains its historic identity with exposed brick walls and wood floors. Antique furnishings from Suber’s and Becker’s homes are interspersed throughout. Big expansive and colorful art, for sale by local artists, cover walls.
“This place has a good feeling as soon as you come in the door,” Baker said.
Couches, cushioned chairs, love seats, tables, lamps and candles decorate front to back.
The front features the coffee bar, separated by the kitchen, and the granite-topped wine bar is situated in the back with an electric fireplace. Bistro tables and chairs throughout provide additional seating.
The store’s signage will be perpendicular but Suber said she is keeping the Gallery On Trade sign, the previous business, since it defined the store’s location. “It’s so pretty and we’re going to have art. People know the building by the sign.”
Acoustics and jazz entertainment will be at the store Saturday night. A plus, Suber said, is having Elizabeth Wood, employed. “When we have a lull Elizabeth can pull out her guitar and entertain while she’s also working on her music,” Suber said. An antique piano is tuned and available for customers, who know how to play.
Board and card games are available for customers to play and Suber said she envisions chess clubs visiting.
Suber said it’s by choice that TVs will not be part of the décor.
Suber was in education for 20 years in Hickory, N.C., and took a year off to review her options. “I was laid off as an assistant principal and was offered to be retained as a teacher. I was away from the classroom and I didn’t want to refocus on getting back into teaching,” she said.
“I always wanted to manage a bed and breakfast. I love coffee and this is the perfect fit,” she said.