News Summary
The Runway Cafe at the Greenville Downtown Airport will close its doors after serving the community for 15 years. The last day of operation will be May 31, 2025. A new restaurant tenant is already set to take over the space, as the Airport Commission aims to revitalize the area and meet the community’s evolving needs. Despite the cafe’s cherished legacy, owner Lem Winesett is looking forward to new opportunities while expressing concern for his employees. The decision reflects ongoing changes at the airport and in the local dining scene.
Greenville Gears Up for Change as Runway Cafe to Close After 15 Years
The Runway Cafe at the Greenville Downtown Airport is gearing up for a big change! After 15 fabulous years of service, the much-loved eatery will close its doors for good on May 31, 2025. And the buzz is that a new restaurant tenant has already been chosen to take over this prime spot.
Excitement was high when the Airport Commission made the announcement on social media, revealing that they’ve been on the lookout for fresh proposals for a new dining experience for the past nine months. Runway Cafe has been a local treasure since it opened in 2010 at 21 Airport Road Ext., and its iconic status is about to be part of Greenville’s history.
Owner Lem Winesett has expressed his heartache over having to let go of the cafe in its original location. Cooking up delicious meals for the community has been a labor of love, and while he’s saddened by the news, Lem is already on the hunt for a new space. It’s clear that this decision is not just about business; it carries a lot of emotional weight.
The Airport Commission made this tough call not to renew the lease in hopes of shaping the long-term future of the Community Corridor, which is home to Runway Park and other attractions. For those familiar with the area, it’s evident that the airport has been a hub of renovations and improvements, enhancing the community’s offerings.
Last June, the commission started seeking new restaurant proposals to ensure that the airport remained a vibrant spot for both aviation enthusiasts and local diners. The decision to transition to a new eatery underscores the importance of evolving alongside the community’s needs.
In recent years, the Runway Cafe faced its share of turbulence, from the impacts of the *pandemic* to rising operating costs. Nevertheless, the team adapted, continually striving to serve their loyal customers with great food and special offerings. Although the cafe’s lease was officially non-renewed in June 2022, the news still hits hard as the closure date approaches.
Airport Director James Stephens has noted that the choice to say goodbye to Runway Cafe was anything but easy, recognizing the café’s integral role in connecting the community. It’s a bittersweet farewell as the cafe has made contributions that reach far beyond simple meals.
What’s next for the space? Well, the incoming restaurant is expected to keep diners happy with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing on tasty food options while investing in the community. While juicy details are still closely guarded, it promises to bring a vibrant new energy to the airport.
Runway Cafe has long been celebrated for its mouthwatering burgers, delicious sandwiches, and unique meal options. Over the past couple of years, they even stepped into the spotlight by participating in a national Food Network television show—talk about making a name for themselves!
But the cafe wasn’t just about food; they showed true heart during Tropical Storm Helene, working alongside local organizations to provide meals for those in need. This commitment to the community you just can’t put a price tag on, and it speaks volumes about the spirit of the establishment.
Lem Winesett is particularly concerned about his hardworking employees as they face an uncertain future with the café’s impending closure. It’s a tough spot for everyone involved, and you can feel the weight of this change looming over the entire team.
In the meantime, the excitement for a new culinary journey at the Greenville Downtown Airport is palpable. With a fresh tenant ready to step in, it seems that this local favorite will be leaving room for something new, commendably contributing to the dynamic growth of the Greenville community while cherishing the memories that Runway Cafe has built over the years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Goodbye to Runway Café: A Fond Farewell in Greenville
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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.
