On Nov. 11, The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association held the 12th annual Upstate Hospitality Awards. The event took place at The L at Larkin’s on Broad Street in Greenville to honor the city’s leading local professionals in a variety of categories.
The winners came from a range of businesses representing the growing hospitality presence in the Upstate:
- Outstanding Community Service Leader: Tammy Johnson, CEO of High Spirits Hospitality
- Hospitality Educator of the Year: David Miller, professor at the Bob Jones University School of Business
- Excellence in Housekeeping: Marka Fitzgerald, Embassy Suites Greenville
- Hotelier of the Year: Barbara Shehan, general manager, The Abernathy
- Restaurateur of the Year: Joe Cash, founder of Scoundrel
- Restaurant Front of House Employee of the Year: Danny Alexander, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Restaurant Heart of House Employee of the Year: Dimetre Jones, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Hotel Front of House Employee of the Year: Jessica Ward, AC Hotel Greenville
- Hotel Heart of House Employee of the Year: Monte Carmichael, Embassy Suites Greenville
- Restaurant Manager of the Year: Drew Breen, CAMP
- Hotel Manager of the Year: Derek Cooper, Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites
- Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year: Michaela Leitch, Table 301
- Sales/Marketing/Catering Employee of the Year: Jennifer King, Spartanburg Marriott
- Outstanding Certified Sommelier: Alexandra Hackett, Rick Erwin’s
- Outstanding Bartender of the Year: Samuel Gaudy, Restaurant 17/Hotel Domestique
- Outstanding Community Service Program: Lanie Carter, Arrowhead Design Group
- Hospitality Supplier of the Year: Becca Donahue, TPM Inc.
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A new coffee shop has arrived at Riverplace along the water in downtown Greenville. Sort of.
Local Honey Coffee Co., a business that formerly held a mobile cart presence, is now open near The People’s Tap and Papi’s Tacos. The business opened in 2022 by Jaedan and Emily Bersche. It serves specialty lattes and toast.
Local Honey is located at 250 Riverplace, Unit B.
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The food hall at The Mill at Fountain Inn opened Nov. 15.
The new eateries include:
- Bingbi Sushi, Bingbi previously operated as a food truck offering sushi, nigiri, rice bowls and poke.
- Birria Boy, serving quesadillas, tacos and ramen.
- Bistro 44, which serves new American fare such as soups, sandwiches, wraps and hot dogs.
The Mill at Fountain Inn opened June 3 beginning with Fountain Inn Brewing Co. The space boasts a big screen for football games or movie nights along with substantial green space. The site was formerly a flour mill. The revitalization was spearheaded by Bryan Beal, CEO of The IHD Group.
The Mill at Fountain Inn is located at 100 Ellison St. in downtown Fountain Inn.
