News Summary
The Runway Café at Greenville Downtown Airport is closing on May 31, 2025, after over a decade of service. The decision not to renew the lease has left the community in shock, with owner Lem Winesett initiating a petition to keep the café open. While hopeful proposals have been submitted, the café’s legacy remains strong as residents prepare for its final days. The airport plans to attract new culinary ventures, keeping the vibrant food culture of Greenville alive.
Goodbye to Runway Café: A Fond Farewell in Greenville
In a bittersweet turn of events for the community of Greenville, the beloved Runway Café at the Downtown Airport is set to close its doors on May 31, 2025. This decision, announced on March 7, 2024, has left many local fans of the café feeling a mix of surprise and sadness, as it’s been a cherished spot for more than a decade.
A Tough Decision
The Aviation authorities at the Greenville Airport had the unenviable task of revealing that they would not be renewing the café’s lease, a choice they described as “extremely hard.” The airport authorities shared that their focus is now on the long-term future of the Community Corridor and how this impacts aviation visitors and aspiring aviators alike.
Hopes to Elevate Culinary Experiences
As Greenville is recognized as one of the best food cities in the U.S., the airport aims to align with that reputation. The vision is to attract more visitors—not just to the airport but also to the vibrant community surrounding it. To achieve this, the airport issued a Request for Proposals regarding the café’s space, located at 21 Airport Road Extension, on June 20, 2024. The deadline for bids is set for September 30, 2024, opening up a world of possibilities for new culinary ventures in the airport.
Community Support
However, the journey for Runway Café isn’t quite over yet. Owner Lem Winesett started a petition on September 8, 2024, seeking community backing to keep the beloved café at its current location. This effort saw a surge of support, capturing around 600 signatures from loyal customers within just a few days. It’s clear the café has made a lasting impact on its patrons and the local community.
Proposals Submitted, Future Uncertain
In an effort to secure its spot, Runway Café did submit a proposal to remain in the airport. Sadly, it was not approved. Despite this setback, there’s still a glimmer of hope for the current operators as they can participate in the ongoing bidding process alongside other potential tenants. It will be interesting to see who finally occupies that much-loved space.
A Bit of History
The Runway Café first opened its doors in 2010 and has since become a staple for travelers and locals alike. Its unique charm even caught the attention of television, featuring on an episode of “Restaurant: Impossible” that aired in 2022. The story of the café and its community is an inspiring testament to the bond formed between locals and their favorite hangout.
A New Chapter Ahead
While a new restaurant is planned for the location, specific details remain tightly under wraps. Change can be daunting, but it often leads to exciting opportunities. For those who love good food and a great atmosphere, the future looks bright—just with a different flavor.
What’s Next?
As the countdown to May 31, 2025, begins, residents are encouraged to cherish their final visits and support Lem and the entire café staff in their quest for a new future. Whether it’s for a hearty breakfast before a flight or a leisurely lunch with friends, the Runway Café has been a welcoming presence at the airport for many years.
The café’s legacy will surely be remembered, and who knows? The affection it has garnered could pave the way for a new beginning for food lovers in Greenville. The community has always been about connection, and that spirit remains strong.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Greenville Downtown Airport Restaurant to Close May 31
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Downtown Airport Selecting Replacement Runway Café’s Lease End
- MSN: Greenville Airport Teases New Dining Spot as Runway Café’s Lease Nears End
- Greenville Journal: Petition to Save Runway Café, Brunch at Nic Norman’s, and More Weekly Dish
- GVL Today: Be the Broker: Runway Café at Greenville Downtown Airport
- Wikipedia: Gastronomy
- Google Search: Greenville Downtown Airport
- Google Scholar: Community Support for Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Google News: Runway Café Greenville
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
