Popular downtown Greenville bar to undergo renovation

Greenville is becoming a city on the rise, drawing in more and more visitors eager to enjoy its thriving scene. One prime example of this transformation is the blue building at Main and North streets, which is undergoing what many may describe as a “glow-up.”

The building, owned by Scott Woods, will undergo a renovation that will be completed in three phases, starting in March. Woods has teamed up with Jeremy Krauze, owner of Society Sandwich Bar and Social Club located on Coffee Street, and Chris Rosensteel, chef at Society.

The trio have been discussing the project for several years and Woods has been in talks with Greenville Mayor Knox White on updating the façade of the blue glass building which he’s referred to as a “blight” on the area.

“Scott has owned the building for quite a while now and we feel that the timing is right to begin work in the spring of 2025,” said Krauze.

Denizens of the bar who have been known to refer to it affectionally as a “dive,” may look askance at what they perceive as tampering with their favorite watering hole, but Krauze is hopeful that patrons will withhold judgement until the project is completed in late spring. For the most part, however, people are excited to see a renovation that is more in keeping with a burgeoning city that is on the move.

“We want to keep all the charm that people have known and loved for 20 years, while complementing it with modern touches to bring it into 2025 with a fresh update,” said Krauze.

Some of those updates will include removing the drop ceilings, refinishing the floors, adding wood accents to give the bar a warmer feel, installing new light fixtures, putting in a new bar and installing new televisions.

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“With the installation of the new televisions we’re leaning into the sports bar concept, giving people a place to enjoy wings, beer and a game,” said Krauze, assuring patrons that prices will still remain affordable.

When it comes to food, much of the popular items will be retained like the Cajun Philly cheesesteak with shaved beef, hand-battered onion rings, and American cheese. The wing menu will expand from a selection of four or five, to around 10. Additional items will include salads like the wedge and cobb, along with new mains.

“We also feel like there’s a need for a good fish and chips and we’ll be bringing in ramen and sandwiches from Society for cohesion,” said Krauze.

Developers dig into future plans

Phases two and three will focus on renovating the second and third floors.

“Our goal for the second floor is to begin in September 2025 and wrap up by November. For the third floor, we’re aiming for a summer 2026 completion,” said Krauze.

Plans for the East North Street side include retractable windows on each floor and an elevator.

“Guests will walk into a lobby and take an elevator up without stepping into City Tavern,” Krauze explained, adding that each floor will be a different restaurant.

If all goes well, the trio may even entertain the idea of a rooftop bar. For now, however, their sights are set on staying on target for a May reopening of the City Tavern.

“In an ever-growing downtown, there’s a lot of high-end stuff already. We want to remain a watering hole that is open and accessible seven days a week — a communal place to sit down, visit and enjoy each other’s company,” Krauze said.