News Summary
Spartanburg is set to welcome two new grocery options in the downtown area, enhancing access to fresh food for residents in food deserts. The South Church Street Bodega, opening by Christmas 2025, will cater to Southside residents with diverse offerings, while Blue Moon Bodega is set to open this fall, providing a variety of local produce and community-focused spaces. Both establishments aim to improve the local economy and food access.
Spartanburg is set to gain two new bodega and grocery options in the downtown area, aimed at improving access to fresh food for residents, particularly in communities historically classified as food deserts. The planned establishments are expected to cater to diverse populations while providing essential grocery items and additional amenities.
South Church Street Bodega to Open by Christmas 2025
The South Church Street Bodega is scheduled to open by Christmas 2025 at 275 S. Church St., occupying a ground-floor space beneath the Church Street Lofts. Spearheaded by Mike Fowler, a former restaurateur and food pantry manager, the bodega aims to address the needs of Southside residents who have historically faced limited food access.
The bodega will offer a variety of services including a juice bar, coffee station, sandwich shop, and a grocery section featuring pantry staples, eggs, dairy, beer, wine, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Co-founder Hunter Patton, who manages the Church Street Lofts, reports a significant demand for grocery options among residents living nearby, who often lack reliable transportation. Previous efforts to sustain a grocery store in this area, including a Piggly Wiggly that closed after one year, underscore the need for a more tailored approach.
Focus on Community Needs and Collaboration
Fowler and Patton plan to implement a smaller, more focused scale for the bodega to increase chances of success. They aim to collaborate with Spartanburg PAL’s food hub to supply locally grown produce both for the bodega and local restaurants. Organizations like PAL are actively working to partner with the bodega to enhance access to fresh food in the Southside area and are seeking grant funding to support retail food markets.
Blue Moon Bodega to Open This Fall
In addition to the South Church Street Bodega, Blue Moon Specialty Foods is preparing to unveil a second location, Blue Moon Bodega, at 220 E. Daniel Morgan Avenue. Set to open possibly as soon as this fall, the establishment will provide fresh produce, meats, cheeses, craft beers, salads, coffee, ice cream, and a charcuterie bar.
Occupying a 2,000-square-foot space, Blue Moon Bodega will also include a warehouse and a commercial kitchen. The owners, Chris Walker and Molly Cashman, emphasize creating a community-oriented atmosphere where neighbors can gather and shop.
Renovations are currently underway, including plans for an outdoor seating area, to create a welcoming environment for customers. Hiring for various positions, such as a general manager and USDA kitchen manager, is progressing, with the new bodega expected to generate 10-15 jobs in downtown Spartanburg.
Expansion of the Local Dining Scene
The city’s food and restaurant landscape is also seeing additional changes. Cribbs Kitchen is in the final construction phases for its second location, while Little River Roasting is awaiting health inspection for a new café. Holliday Brewing is set to open its facility by late Spring 2023, further contributing to Spartanburg’s burgeoning dining scene.
Conclusion
As Spartanburg prepares to welcome these two new grocery options, the community can look forward to improved access to essential food items and a growing local economy. The efforts are part of a larger initiative to enhance food access, particularly in areas that have struggled with availability in the past.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg News on New Bodega
- Greenville Online: Local Shopping Guide
- Upstate Business Journal: Blue Moon Bodega Information
- GoUpstate: Government Complex in Spartanburg
- GoUpstate: Blue Moon Bodega Menu Items
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Google Search: Spartanburg Food Deserts
- Google Scholar: Food Deserts South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Desert
- Google News: Spartanburg Bodega
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.
