News Summary
Blue Moon Specialty Foods, a popular eatery in Spartanburg, will close its Church Street location to make way for a new joint government complex. While a new space along West Broad Street is planned for the future, the existing operations will relocate temporarily to the Blue Moon Bodega. The redevelopment aims to enhance local governance and the downtown area, marking a significant transformation for the city.
Spartanburg – Blue Moon Specialty Foods, a beloved breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Spartanburg, will close its Church Street location on September 30, 2025, to make way for the construction of a new joint government complex for Spartanburg County and the City of Spartanburg. The closure comes as part of a city-wide redevelopment initiative that will transform Church, West Broad, and Spring streets.
The new government building, designed to enhance local administrative operations, will be funded through a penny sales tax that voters approved in 2017. This facility will be notable as it will be the first joint city-county government complex in South Carolina, housing both administrative offices and council chambers for enhanced efficiency in local governance. Construction is set to begin in October 2025 and is expected to be completed within two years.
According to plans, the new complex will feature a prominent five-story administrative office section alongside a three-story wing that will accommodate the council chambers. A distinct clock tower will also be part of the building’s design, aiming to become a landmark in the area.
Blue Moon Specialty Foods has been a cornerstone of downtown dining since its opening in 2018. Known for its quality breakfast and lunch offerings, the eatery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Molly Cashman, the co-owner, expressed a sentimental attachment to the original location and indicated a desire for more time to adapt to the impending changes.
While the Church Street location will close, plans are in place for a new Blue Moon location to emerge as part of the downtown redevelopment project along West Broad Street. This new establishment is anticipated to open around 2028 or 2029 on the ground floor of a six-story apartment complex that will also feature a parking deck and outdoor green spaces designed for dining.
In the interim, Blue Moon Specialty Foods will consolidate its operations at the Blue Moon Bodega located at 220 E. Daniel Morgan Avenue. The Bodega, which opened in 2021, offers a venue for lunch and dinner alongside live music, and it supports the wholesale production of Blue Moon’s culinary products. The Bodega is also set to undergo expansions, including a second kitchen and additional parking to accommodate increased customer traffic.
Blue Moon’s wholesale products, which include seasonings, marinades, and pies, are distributed across five states: the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. The company has evolved significantly since its inception; Chris “Wishbone” Walker founded Blue Moon nearly 20 years ago as a vendor at the Hub City Farmers Market. After initially operating a retail space on East Henry Street, Blue Moon moved to its larger Church Street location in 2016, further solidifying its place in the community.
The approach towards the upcoming changes in Spartanburg’s downtown has prompted mixed emotions among community members who cherish Blue Moon’s presence. Cashman highlighted the blend of nostalgia and optimism for the future, indicating a belief in the positive impact of both Blue Moon’s continued operation and the overall redevelopment of downtown Spartanburg.
As Spartanburg prepares for significant transformation, the closure of Blue Moon’s Church Street location marks a pivotal moment in the city’s reimagining of its downtown landscape, as it balances urban development with maintaining vibrant local businesses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spartanburg Approves $52 Million Joint Government Complex
Spartanburg Housing Market Sees Mortgage Rate Decline
Blue Moon Specialty Foods to Close Downtown Location
New Joint City-County Government Complex for Spartanburg
Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: New Government Complex in Spartanburg
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Joint Government Complex
- Google Search: Spartanburg joint government complex
- WSPA: Design Unveiled for Spartanburg Joint Government Building
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government
- Fox Carolina: Designs for Spartanburg Joint Facility
- Google News: Spartanburg government building
- GoUpstate: Construction of Spartanburg’s City-County Building
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
