In a way, the first home game for the Greenville Triumph takes place today, June 3.

Greenville Pro Soccer kicked off the opening of GE Vernova Park, the first permanent home for the Triumph and the women’s Greenville Liberty team, on June 2.

The stadium at BridgeWay Station in Mauldin is a public-private project that also will be used for community events.

GE Vernova got behind the Upstate soccer scene by taking on a multi-year agreement to hoist its name above the home stadium of the Triumph and Liberty.

The sponsorship underscores GE Vernova’s commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work, the company said in November when announcing the relationship. The agreement between Greenville Pro Soccer and GE Vernova was brokered by global sports, music and entertainment company Wasserman.

The stadium will seat 4,300, with a total capacity of 6,300.

The project is a public-private partnership with the city of Mauldin, the state of South Carolina, Greenville Pro Soccer and Hughes Investments.

Until now home games were played first at Legacy Early College and then Furman University.

The first home game at the new stadium is at 7 p.m. against Forward Madison FC. A fan festival starts at 4:30 p.m. with live entertainment, activities and fan experiences at BridgeWay Station Plaza.

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Highline Hospitality Partners, the company behind Hyatt House, is adding to its Lowcountry portfolio with another downtown Charleston hotel.

The Lowline Hotel is a remodeled property in the previous Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District on King Street. The hotel is accepting July reservations now for its 197 rooms, with rates beginning around $250 per night, according to the hotel’s website.

“The Lowline Hotel was created to embody the best elements of one of the country’s most historic and spirited cities. Each element of the hotel was chosen with precision, purpose and intent, ensuring each experience on the property reflects Charleston to the fullest,” Chuck Pomerantz, managing partner of Highline Hospitality Partners, said in a news release. “While The Lowline aims to appreciate the past, it was important to us to also create a hotel for the modern traveler. We are proud of the property we created and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to enjoy the charm of Charleston in a new way.”

The Lowline’s signature restaurant will be the Leeward Restaurant and Leeward Patio, with Southern, Lowcountry-inspired cuisine. The hotel will also have Lowline Spirited Coffee & Provisions, a cafe and market.

The 8,000-square-foot building will include event space, a pool, a fitness center and valet parking.

“The beauty of Southern cuisine is not just in the flavors of a dish, but in the care that is taken in each step of cooking the meal. That care is reflected in every meal at The Lowline, and no matter the occasion, guests are promised the comfort and familiarity of a home cooked meal with loved ones,” Joey Worley, director of food and beverage at The Lowline Hotel, said in the release. “The food scene throughout Charleston is vibrant and lively with a rich history, and we are excited to add The Lowline and Leeward to the mix.”

The hotel’s interior is designed by Ealain Studio with both modern and vintage influence, drawing on coastal and aerial design, according to the release.

“The hotel serves as a living reflection of the city,” Jacqueline McGee, principal and design director of Ealain Studio, said in the release. “It is a fun and modern interpretation inspired by Charleston’s history and unique Southern culture. With each design choice, we sought to create distinctive experiences for guests staying at The Lowline Hotel, from sitting under the undulating sails in the hidden garden to admiring the quilted floor tile in Spirited Provisions or meeting the pirates in the Leeward Bar while sipping cocktails beside its sculptural fireplace.”

Highline Hospitality Partners owns 17 hotels across the United States and is based in Birmingham, Ala.

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Reedy River Retail, the retail leasing and investment division of SVN Palmetto, has filled 123 E. Curtis St. in Simpsonville, two food and beverage businesses committing to the final square footage.

Reedy River Retail said the downtown Simpsonville location will seen be home to NEAT Bourbon Bar and Indigo Kitchen.

Advisers Dustin Tenney and Daniel Holloway with Reedy River Retail at SVN Palmetto represented the building owner in the transaction.

The property was recently purchased by a group of local investors focused on the revitalization of downtown Simpsonville, according to a news release. The building will undergo a full subdivision and renovation, including facade improvements and a complete restaurant buildout to accommodate both tenants. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with both businesses targeting an early 2027 opening.

Positioned at the corner of Curtis and Hedge streets, the property was marketed for offering exceptional visibility and walkability in the heart of downtown Simpsonville. The location sits adjacent to the proposed redevelopment of the former City Hall site, a mixed-use project slated to deliver 80 apartment units and 18,000 square feet of retail.

NEAT Bourbon Bar, owned by Howard Dozier, will open its fifth location at this address, joining existing locations in downtown Greenville, Greer, Mount Pleasant and Myrtle Beach. NEAT features over 300 varieties of bourbon and whiskey alongside a selection of other spirits, wine and beer. The bar was recently recognized as one of America’s Top Whisky Bars of 2026 by Whisky Advocate. As a distinctive feature of this location, Indigo Kitchen owner Premal Desai will create a special menu of small plates designed to pair specifically with bourbon — a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the two businesses.

Indigo Kitchen, owned by Premal and Sonal Desai, will open its third location at this property, adding to its existing presence at the Silos of Easley and The Commons at Unity Park in Greenville. Indigo Kitchen has an Indian street food-inspired menu.

Indigo Kitchen has since grown its following significantly, and the Greenville location at The Commons was recently named one of the 12 Best Restaurants in Greenville by The Infatuation — a national dining authority. The Simpsonville location will introduce unique craft cocktails, marking a new chapter in the brand’s evolution.

“This deal is a great example of what’s happening in downtown Simpsonville,” Daniel Holloway, managing partner at SVN Palmetto, said in the release. “You have a forward-thinking building owner, two of the most talked-about operators in the Upstate, and a location that’s right in the path of significant new development. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this together.”

The city of Simpsonville echoed enthusiasm for the announcement.

“The city of Simpsonville is excited for continued investment in downtown Simpsonville with the addition of NEAT and Indigo Kitchen at 123 East Curtis Street,”  City Administrator Tee Coker said in the release. “The momentum in the downtown district driven by the growth of local businesses like NEAT and Indigo Kitchen shows the energy and appeal of Simpsonville and the strong sense of community that attracts business owners and patrons alike. As the city embarks on its downtown project, we look forward to seeing both businesses become part of the fabric of downtown Simpsonville.”

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Georgetown County has awarded the Georgetown Port Redevelopment Plan to SeamonWhiteside, a Carolinas-based full-service site design team.

The project involves a renovation of the Georgetown Port into a mixed-use development — a new vision for the site of closed steel and paper mills, according to a news release.

SeamonWhiteside will undertake an economic development analysis, environmental and brownfield evaluation, community engagement and waterfront development strategies, infrastructure assessment, and the development of a long-term master plan.

“Projects like this are the heartbeat of our firm,” Lee Gastley, managing principal at SeamonWhiteside, said in the release. “As a company deeply rooted in the Carolinas, we don’t view the Georgetown Port as a blank slate or a standard development site; we see it as a vital piece of the state’s heritage that deserves a second life. Our approach will be to listen first. We want to ensure the final plan is authentically Georgetown, creating a resilient, job-generating waterfront that residents can take immense pride in for generations to come.”

Input will be gathered from local residents, stakeholders and the Georgetown County Leadership Council to help shape the redevelopment plan. Environmental conditions such as long-term resilience from rising sea levels and coastal impacts will also be considered in decision making, the release stated.

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Berkeley County opened part of the $10.5 million Berkeley County Waterfront Park on Friday with six boat ramps and 180 boat trailer parking spots open to the public.

The parking spaces include boat trailer spaces, make-ready spaces and tie-down spaces located at 933 Broughton Road in Moncks Corner.

“Opening Atkins Landing in advance of the park opening is critical to meet the demand of our boating community and to relieve the overcrowding at other landing sites. We are excited and look forward to opening the entire park very soon,” Johnny Cribb, Berkeley county supervisor, said in a news release.

The rest of the park is still under construction and is expected to be ready for the public after a June 12 grand opening ceremony, according to the release.

The 15-acre site eventually will include space for 36 boats to be docked, a 4,200-square-foot open air pavilion, a half mile walking trail, 58,000 square feet of beach and — after remodeling — the current 7,300-square-foot pavilion available for rent.

Facilities will include picnic shelters and benches, one public restroom, a Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Safe Boat enclosure, emergency call stations, and a security system with free Wi-Fi.

Funding for the project is from Berkeley County Delegation’s Water Recreation Funds, Berkeley County Accommodations Tax Funds, South Carolina state budget appropriations, and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the release said. Santee Cooper has also provided a long-term gratis lease to Berkeley County for the project.

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Lowcountry Land Trust has protected another piece of property, H&H Farm, approximately 84 acres of private farmland and wildlife habitat on Wadmalaw Island.

The action expands the growing network of conserved land in the region. Lowcountry Land Trust is striving to protect land and water forever and connect the community to conservation in what it considers to be among the region’s most ecologically significant rural landscapes.

H&H Farm features a rich diversity of habitats, including a large freshwater pond, open fields, forested areas and an oak allee, all of which support a wide range of native wildlife, according to a news release from Lowcountry Land Trust. Notably, the property provides habitat for migratory species, like sandhill cranes.

“H&H Farm supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife species,” Natalie Olson, Sea Islands program director at Lowcountry Land Trust, said in the release. “This property expands the growing landscape of permanently protected land on Wadmalaw Island, safeguarding it from future development. Donating a conservation easement is a way for landowners to guarantee lasting protection of their land’s beauty and character, regardless of what the future brings.”

The conservation easement was fully donated by the landowners, the release stated. The organization thanked the family for their generosity in safeguarding the property’s future, ensuring its natural and agricultural character will be protected in perpetuity. In addition to its ecological value, the farm includes more than 13 acres of land designated as “farmland of statewide importance” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, underscoring its role in supporting local agriculture.

Wadmalaw Island, with its residents’ leadership, has become a premier example of conservation success in the Lowcountry, according to the release. Of the island’s approximately 26,666 total acres, more than 34%, or 9,000 acres, are now permanently protected, with the majority safeguarded through Lowcountry Land Trust’s conservation easement program.

“Landowners like those of H&H Farm continue to build on this momentum, ensuring the island’s natural beauty, wildlife habitat, and agricultural heritage are preserved for current and future generations,” the organizations said in the release.

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A new men’s boutique on Charleston’s King Street is rethinking what a storefront can be, blending traditional retail with a private, speakeasy-style social club tucked behind a double library door.

The Greyson Clothiers concept, now open at 529 King St. on the ground floor of The Nickel Hotel, has been in development for about two years, said Chris Brancato, vice president of retail for Greyson Clothiers and former executive at Krewe eyewear.

Brancato, who has long been familiar with Charleston through family time on Isle of Palms, said he connected with Greyson founder Charlie Schaefer while exploring expansion opportunities in the market.

The space functions as a hybrid retail and hospitality environment for both men and women, though men’s apparel leads the assortment.

The front of the shop leans into a sport-driven lifestyle aesthetic shaped by Charleston’s golf and court culture.

Greyson originally built its following through wholesale placement in golf resort shops, but the King Street location has broadened its reach beyond that core audience.

Behind the retail floor, a concealed entry opens into a members-only lounge that doubles as a private event space for customers, brand loyalists and invited groups. The room includes a golf simulator, shuffleboard, dartboards and a bar setup designed for catered gatherings.

Access is tied to the brand’s loyalty program, which unlocks exclusive product drops, experiences and access for loyalty members traveling to the area. As Brancato described it: “You could bring your pack, rent it out, get it catered and have a blast.”

The space is also available for private bookings, from corporate outings to bachelor parties, bringing entertainment-driven retail to King Street.

“We haven’t done anything like this anywhere else,” Brancato said.

Within its first two months, the store has already seen strong traction — with one surprise standout: suiting, which has emerged as an early best-seller alongside performance wear.

The storefront itself is built around experiential retail, with its King Street window installation forgoing mannequins for a taxidermied wolf, the mascot of the brand, and a hand-painted nature mural scene.

The Charleston opening followed an extensive site-selection process. The location beneath The Nickel Hotel was a natural fit. The hotel property welcomes guests for weddings and events, but also draws steady corporate travel thanks to rooms with kitchenettes and flexible layouts for longer stays.

That mix allows for an accessible shop for whatever someone might need, whether it’s a last-minute outfit, suiting for an event, or elevated casual wear, Brancato said. It also presented the opportunity to be on one of the Lowcountry’s busiest corridors.

“King Street was important,” Brancato said. “When we had the opportunity to look at the commercial space and the new development which became the Nickel Hotel, we jumped at it.”

He added that rising rents have shifted strategy toward the middle stretch of King Street.

“There was a little bit of a risk going where we went versus further down King where maybe some of our traditional competitors are,” he said.

Randall Cook, CEO and co-founder of Method Co., which developed The Nickel, called the addition a natural fit: “We think this flagship adds a dynamic, design-forward retail element to the property.”

Brancato said with that upper stretch of King Street currently more entertainment-focused with restaurants and bars over traditional shops, the hospitality-retail concept fit in.

“In-person retail is not antiquated,” Brancato said. “Brands have to have stores to bring the human element to a brand. If it’s just (e-commerce), I think it’s too easily replaceable with another product. It’s akin to your favorite restaurant or bar — what makes your favorite bar your favorite bar? It’s usually the bartender.”

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Darlington Raceway is one of five NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports racetracks to join a first-of-its-kind partnership that makes Airbnb the official lodging partner for those tracks during the 2027 racing season.

Airbnb and NASCAR made the announcement today, May 12, at the State House alongside Darlington Raceway leadership and South Carolina elected officials.

During the 2027 NASCAR season, Airbnb listings will be displayed directly on the websites of Bristol Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Talladega Superspeedway, giving fans a way to discover accommodations close to the track, especially for families and groups traveling together, according to a news release.

The partnership with these racetracks reflects a shared commitment to growing the sport, supporting the small towns that have shaped its history, and ensuring fans can experience race weekend at every level, the release stated.

“Big events have been part of Airbnb’s DNA since day one, and there are few events more deeply woven into the fabric of American communities than NASCAR,” Adam Alfandary, head of U.S. East Business for Airbnb, said in the release. “The racetracks in this partnership sit in towns where hotel rooms are scarce but the welcome runs deep, especially places like Darlington, Talladega and North Wilkesboro, where neighbors have been opening their doors to race fans for generations. This partnership puts locals at the front of the pack and helps communities that make race weekends possible share directly in the economic opportunity it creates.”

Nationally, 63% of U.S. Census tracts are home to Airbnb listings but no hotels. Race communities like Darlington are exactly the kind of places where short-term rentals are often the only meaningful accommodation option, the company says.

“Darlington Raceway is one of the crown jewels of American motorsports, and the Southern 500 is a tradition unlike any other,” State Rep. Cody Mitchel (R-Hartsville), said in the release. “This partnership is going to bring more fans through the doors of one of our most iconic venues, and when they arrive, they’ll find homes and hosts in Darlington ready to welcome them. That’s good for race fans, and it’s good for the people of South Carolina.”

By connecting fans to Airbnb listings directly through participating racetrack websites, the partnership creates a clear pathway for everyday Americans to share their homes, showcase their hometowns, and earn supplemental income during the busiest weeks of the racing calendar — while ensuring more of the economic benefit of race weekend flows to the communities and small businesses that make it possible, Airbnb says. In 2025, guests on Airbnb spent approximately $200 per person, per day when traveling on Airbnb, not including the cost of their listing.

“Our NASCAR racetracks sit at the center of some of the most passionate fan experiences in sports because they are deeply rooted in the culture and communities they call home. Through our partnership with Airbnb at Darlington, Martinsville and Talladega, we’re making it easier for fans to plan their race weekend and stay closer to the action,” T.R. Stape, vice president of track sales for NASCAR, said in the release. “Together, we’re helping extend the impact of our events beyond the track and into the surrounding communities that play such an important role in every race weekend.”

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Vicious Biscuit has hired Mike Stevens as chief development officer and director of supply chain. The Charleston-founded company also promoted Kate Byrd to franchise liaison, two moves the company says strengthens its leadership team as they accelerate national franchise growth.
Stevens will lead Vicious Biscuit’s franchise development strategy and oversee supply chain initiatives, aligning expansion with operational discipline and long-term scalability.

“Mike is exactly the kind of leader we need at this stage of our growth,” George McLaughlin, co-founder and CEO of Vicious Biscuit, said in a news release “He’s built and scaled brands at a high level, understands the complexity of franchise development and brings deep expertise in supply chain. Just as importantly, he believes in what we’re building and shares our commitment to growing the right way. He’s going to play a key role in helping us scale while protecting what makes Vicious Biscuit so special.”

A restaurant veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Stevens has experience across operations, franchise development and supply chain strategy. He has held executive leadership roles with emerging and established brands, where he built scalable systems and supported rapid multi-unit growth, the release stated. At Vicious Biscuit, his focus is on franchise sales strategy, pipeline development and franchisee lifecycle support, while leading efforts to optimize sourcing, distribution and cost efficiencies across the system.

Most recently, he served as senior business development director at Buyers Edge Platform/Consolidated Concepts, working with restaurant brands to strengthen supply chain performance and long-term profitability. He previously held leadership roles with Shamrock Foods, Pita Jungle and Tilted Kilt, where he helped expand to more than 100 locations in less than six years.

“I’ve spent my career helping brands grow, but what drew me to Vicious Biscuit is the strength of the concept and the foundation already in place,” Stevens said in the release. “This is a brand that knows exactly who it is, with strong unit economics and a team that executes. I’m excited to help build a disciplined development strategy and supply chain system that supports long-term success.”
Kate Byrd is rising within the company. She was promoted from office manager to franchise liaison, a role focused on supporting franchise partners throughout the development lifecycle, according to the company.

She will serve as a key point of contact for franchisees, guiding onboarding, site development, training and openings while supporting coordination across internal teams. Byrd has played a central role in managing the company’s growing franchise pipeline and supporting on-time openings across markets, the release said.

“Kate has consistently stepped up in moments that matter for our franchisees and our corporate team,” said Amanda Kahalehoe, chief operating officer of Vicious Biscuit. “She brings a level of ownership, organization and care that directly impacts our operators’ success. As we scale, having someone in this role who can create clarity, keep projects moving and support franchisees with confidence is critical, and Kate has already proven she can do that at a high level.”

These leadership moves build on the company’s recent promotion of Mike Ball to vice president of franchise operations, creating a dedicated structure across development, operations and franchise support.

Vicious Biscuit currently has more than 40 signed franchise locations in development, with a goal of 50 to 75 units over the next five years.

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Two new coffee shops have opened in Greenville County — each bringing a distinct concept to market.

The faith-based owners of Crown + Bloom in Simpsonville have created a welcoming space designed to foster a sense of community, while the team behind Phin + in Mauldin is introducing a culturally rooted experience centered on traditional Vietnamese brewing methods and hospitality.

Sharing a culture

Those who pass by Phin +, located at 1140 E. Butler Road in a small strip mall in Greenville might assume that Phin is the name of the owners. That assumption would be incorrect. Owners Ashley Tran and Vinh Truong explain that Phin refers to a tool used in Vietnamese coffee making.

A phin is a small, gravity-fed metal filter — a self-contained drip system used to make Vietnamese coffee, somewhat akin to a French press. “Many of our influences come the French,” said Truong.

The 1,600-square-foot shop, which seats about 50, features light blue walls evocative of clouds, ample pendant lighting, and enough space to ensure customers don’t feel cramped.

The couple, who celebrated a soft opening on March 16, said that it’s been a dream for them. “We want to bring the culture here and are partnering with a roaster in my hometown,” said Truong.

Cà phê phin, Vietnam’s traditional coffee made with Robusta beans, is bolder and stronger than typical American coffee, though its bitterness is balanced with sweetened condensed milk. “It’s creamier. We want you to taste all the flavors,” said Tran.

That’s not to say that syrups aren’t available. “We do offer them, but we try to control the level of sweetness by making them in-house,” Tran said.

Food offerings include cream puffs, cheese cake, tiramisu, strawberry and mango mousse, to name a few.

The couple, who employ a staff of four, said they chose Mauldin for its growth potential. “Greenville has everything. Mauldin is up-and-coming and we have a parking advantage,” said Tran.

Coffee and love

Crown + Bloom Coffee Co., located at 102 Academy St., is run by two couples: Brantley and Shirley Bell and Corey and Baylee Simpson. The shop, housed in the former Simpsonville library, began as a pop-up in a 1967 camper.

“It needed a ton of work, so with the help of Brantley’s parents, we gutted it and opened 60 days later,” Baylee said.

The group traveled to places like Thrasher’s Farm but soon realized that the heat was too oppressive. “By this time, we had quite a following and I really wanted air conditioning,” Baylee said with a laugh.

Soon the couples were scouting for a brick and mortar and landed upon just the right spot in the former library. “We saw the potential, and since we are a faith-forward company, we prayed over the building and tithed a month’s rent to a local ministry,” Brantley said, adding that the city council unanimously approved the purchase within 11 days.

The shop’s calming biophilic design — featuring shades of green — is intended to offer a respite. “We play worship music and give our baristas the freedom to pray with guests as they feel led,” he said.

Another distinguishing feature is the shop’s organic gluten-free offerings. “We were led to do that when Baylee was navigating health issues. When her daughter was born, she couldn’t process breast milk and we realized there was a need,” Brantley said.

“We connected with a baker who has been celiac for 20 years, and her favorite foods were sweets. She makes cookies and a cinnamon roll that is to die for,” said Brantley, noting there are few coffee houses that offer organic options.

Coffee is also served in compostable K-pods for those who are concerned about microplastics. The owners work with organic-certified farmers through a Midlothian, Va.-based company called Guide Roasting, which pays its farmers to hold the rather costly certifications. They roast a bean especially for Crown + Bloom called “The Crown Jewel.”

For parents, Crown + Bloom includes a dedicated playroom. “As a mother with a five-year-old, I began thinking about what I’d want in a coffee shop,” Baylee said.

Tranquility soothes the soul

Ultimately both shops offer more than coffee—they provide a place to slow down.

At Phin+, it’s about indulging in a beverage that takes time to brew, while appreciating another culture. For Crown+Bloom it’s about creating an oasis for comfort and connection.

“Love is what draws people to Christ and we want people to know that they are loved. Every cup has a personalized message on it that is meant to uplift that person. Sometimes that’s all we need,” Baylee said.

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