07 Sep Upstate Headlines: The Sophisticated Southern Gem Everyone Is Flocking To
A collection of the top Upstate headlines for the week of September 5, 2016
Best Places to Live 2016: The Sophisticated Southern Gem Everyone Is Flocking To
Pedaling along the quiet, sun-dappled Swamp Rabbit Trail, or enjoying a moment near the floating suspension bridge in Falls Park, you’d never know you’re standing in the center of the New South. But Greenville, set in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is at a kind of nexus of multinational industry: Fluor, Lockheed Martin, Michelin, and GE all have major facilities here, and BMW employs 10,000 at an operation that’s the company’s most productive worldwide. No wonder Greenville has one of the lowest unemployment rates in South Carolina.
Spartanburg city development includes a taste of Greenville
As a neighbor, Spartanburg has paid attention to Greenville becoming a city where walking distance is a pleasure. The watching is over. Spartanburg’s downtown and surrounding environs are teeming with projects that enhance living spaces, workplaces, restaurants and fun venues with pedestrian appeal. About 70 new businesses have opened in Spartanburg over the past three years, city spokesman Will Rothschild said. Drayton Mills developer John Montgomery is leading an effort to fund a 30-mile recreational trail that will surround the city, similar to the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail that traverses Greenville’s downtown.
New creperie planned for downtown Greenville
Three Upstate entrepreneurs hope to woo diners in downtown Greenville with high-end flavors wrapped in the pillowy goodness of a French staple: the crepe. Mayra Gallo, Susan Medellin and Anthony Burton plan to open their 2,800-square-foot concept Crepe du Jour Café & Wine this fall in the former Moe Joe Coffee space at 20 S. Main St. beside Miso’s on Main. The upscale eatery’s menu will feature an offering of sweet and savory crepes crafted from fresh ingredients, specialty coffees, spirits and other goodies, say the restaurateurs.
UW announces 2016 fundraising goal 
The third time may be the charm when it comes to United Way of Greenville County raising $17 million. That’s been the organization’s Community Campaign fundraising goal for the past two years. It’s also the goal for this year’s campaign, which officially launched Tuesday. The campaign kick-off was held in the TD Convention Center, with more than 1,200 volunteers and representatives from 600 businesses and organizations in attendance.
Greenville food truck competing in national contest for $25,000 prize
A Greenville food truck is taking its creativity to new levels for a national contest that includes 50 other food trucks, a chance to win $25,000 and the kind of food that is enough to make even the most ardent breakfast skipper change his or her tune. Thoroughfare Food Truck, which is owned by husband and wife team, Neil and Jessica Barley, is competing in the Thomas’ Breakfast Battle: Food Truck Edition contest. The contest was launched last year in celebration of Thomas’ 135th anniversary. Then, chefs from all over the country created a breakfast dish using Thomas’ English muffins and bagels that represented their city or town.
Meyer Tool will expand Greenville County operations
Meyer Tool Inc. announced Tuesday it will invest $6 million to expand its operations in Greenville County and create 57 jobs. The company said it will add 44,000 square feet to its existing facility at 7640 Pelham Road. It will begin hiring for the new positions during the first quarter of 2017. “This expansion is necessary to continue growing our existing business, as well as adding new opportunities,” said Chris Urban, general manager of Meyer Tool’s Greenville plant, in a statement. “The growth reflects our continuing commitment to provide superior service to our customers. Without our strong team and partners none of this would be possible.”
