September 11, 2025

Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse Expands to Downtown Greenville

Greenville, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse is opening a new location in downtown Greenville’s West End at Markley Station, featuring a gourmet menu focused on house dry-aged steaks. This marks the restaurant’s second South Carolina venue, aiming to enhance dining options after the closure of Urban Wren. While preparations are underway, no specific opening date has been announced yet. The location’s proximity to popular attractions positions it strongly in the bustling West End dining landscape.

Greenville

Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse is set to open a new location in downtown Greenville’s West End, occupying a 6,226-square-foot retail space at Markley Station. This new venture marks the restaurant’s second location in South Carolina, expanding from its popular flagship in Lexington.

The restaurant is expected to feature a gourmet dining experience centered around house dry-aged steaks, complemented by a comprehensive menu of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. It will also offer an extensive selection of wines and spirits for patrons looking to enjoy fine dining in a vibrant atmosphere.

Rob Taylor, Managing Partner of Taylor Capital, has expressed enthusiasm for the new steakhouse’s arrival, anticipating that it will enhance the dining options and overall energy of Markley Station. The steakhouse will occupy only the downstairs area of the space, with the upper level designated for office use. As part of the renovations, an internal stairwell connecting the two levels will be removed.

The new Cork & Cleaver location follows the recent closure of Urban Wren, which shut its doors on January 25 after nearly four years of service in the same spot. With this change, the area is set to welcome a fresh dining option that aims to cater to both locals and visitors alike.

While Cork & Cleaver officials have not announced a specific opening date for the restaurant, preparations are underway to establish the steakhouse in Markley Station. This upscale mixed-use destination is situated within walking distance of several popular attractions, including Unity Park, Fluor Field, Falls Park on the Reedy, and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, ensuring a steady flow of potential customers.

Cork & Cleaver is part of the Happy Fork Hospitality Group, which also operates Bakon Southern Eatery and Chophouse of Chapin. Ron Pereira, the CEO of Happy Fork Hospitality Group, has indicated that the company looks forward to bringing excellent customer service and high-quality dining to the Greenville market. With the establishment of this new location, Cork & Cleaver aims to compete successfully by offering a unique dining experience alongside its established brand in the Midlands region.

Colliers South Carolina managed the leasing transaction for the new location, with Macy Scoggins representing the landlord and John Gressette representing Cork & Cleaver, facilitating the transition into this sought-after retail space.

As downtown Greenville continues to grow, the addition of Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse could play a key role in diversifying the local dining landscape while providing residents and visitors with another eating option in the bustling West End.

FAQ

When will Cork & Cleaver open in downtown Greenville?

A specific opening date has not been announced yet.

What kind of menu will Cork & Cleaver offer?

Cork & Cleaver will feature house dry-aged steaks along with a full menu of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, as well as an extensive selection of wines and spirits.

Where is the new Cork & Cleaver located?

The new location will be at Markley Station in downtown Greenville’s West End.

What was at the location before Cork & Cleaver?

The location was previously occupied by Urban Wren, which closed on January 25.

Key Features of Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse

Key Feature	Details
Location	Markley Station, Downtown Greenville’s West End
Size	6,226 square feet
Menu Highlights	House dry-aged steaks, full menu, extensive wine and spirits selection
Previous Tenant	Urban Wren (closed January 25)
Management Group	Happy Fork Hospitality Group
Accessibility	Walking distance to Unity Park, Fluor Field, Falls Park, Swamp Rabbit Trail