Greenville, September 10, 2025

News Summary

Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse is set to open its new location in downtown Greenville’s West End, occupying 6,226 square feet at Markley Station. Formerly home to Urban Wren, which closed earlier this year, the restaurant aims to enhance the area with its premier steak and dining experience, marking an exciting addition to the local culinary scene. The official opening date remains to be announced, but community anticipation is building for this upscale dining venue.

Greenville

Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse is set to open a new location in downtown Greenville’s West End, taking over a recently vacated space at Markley Station. The restaurant will occupy a sizable 6,226-square-foot retail area once home to Urban Wren, which closed its doors in January after nearly five years of operation.

This announcement was facilitated by Colliers, the commercial real estate agency responsible for representing both Cork & Cleaver and landlord Taylor Capital in the lease transaction. The addition of Cork & Cleaver is anticipated to enhance the dining options and overall atmosphere at Markley Station, according to Rob Taylor, the Managing Partner of Taylor Capital.

Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse aims to deliver a premier dining experience, specializing in perfectly aged steaks, indulgent desserts, and a diverse selection of spirits and wines. The restaurant operates under Happy Fork Hospitality Group, which has established three locations in South Carolina’s Midlands region, including two steakhouses and a popular breakfast spot.

Ron Pereira, the CEO of Happy Fork Hospitality Group, expressed enthusiasm about entering the Greenville market, highlighting the positive reception of their previous locations in Chapin and Lexington. The Colliers team played a significant role in ensuring a smooth process for Cork & Cleaver’s expansion.

According to Macy Scoggins, who represented Taylor Capital, Cork & Cleaver will occupy only the downstairs suite at Markley Station, with the upstairs area designated for office space. Modifications to the layout will involve the removal of an internal stairwell to better accommodate the steakhouse’s design and customer flow.

The new address for Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse will be 114 N. Markley St. within the West End of Greenville. While the community eagerly anticipates this addition, an official opening date for the restaurant has yet to be announced.

Key Features of Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse

• Location: 114 N. Markley St., Greenville’s West End
• Size: 6,226 square feet
• Former Occupant: Urban Wren, closed since January
• Parent Company: Happy Fork Hospitality Group
• Other Locations: Three in South Carolina’s Midlands region
• Cuisine: Steakhouse with aged steaks, desserts, wines, and spirits
• Lease Representation: Colliers for both tenant and landlord

Background

The opening of Cork & Cleaver Steakhouse comes at a time when the West End of Greenville is experiencing growth and development, becoming a hub for dining and entertainment. The area’s previous occupant, Urban Wren, was well liked by locals, but the transition to Cork & Cleaver signifies a new chapter for the Markley Station retail space.

Happy Fork Hospitality Group is known for its commitment to high-quality cuisine and excellent service. Expanding into Greenville allows the group to reach a new audience while bringing its successful dining concept to a bustling part of the city. As the opening date approaches, the community looks forward to what Cork & Cleaver will contribute to the local culinary landscape.

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WYFF4
• Upstate Business Journal
• Fox Carolina
• Colliers
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
• Google Search: Restaurants in Greenville SC
• Google Scholar: Greenville restaurant trends
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville, South Carolina
• Google News: Greenville Restaurants

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.