Come with us on a delectable adventure through the culinary marvels of Greenville County, away from the dryness of traditional news reporting. There’s a veritable feast of tales to uncover, and we’re eager to delve into the flavorful landscape of 2023.

Let’s start off with some juicy statistics, shall we? In 2023, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) let slip that a whopping 386 new dining establishments sprang up, while 288 had to shut their doors in Greenville County. That’s a net gain of 98 restaurants, my friends – a clear sign that our little foodie haven is truly flourishing.

We’ve also savoured some delicious events. Summertime brought us the bliss of euphoria and Fall for Greenville showered our plates with an array of mouth-watering delights. But alas, we’ve also bid adieu to some beloved eateries due to staffing and rising expenses. It’s the cycle of food life, I suppose.

Now, let’s shift focus to restaurant health – yes, the health of the dining establishments. We’ve made it our mission to keep you in the loop about the sanitation and health grades of eateries in our area. Those letter grades displayed on shop fronts? We’ve been keeping a watchful eye on them. And fear not, we plan to keep the updates rolling into 2024, so your taste buds will always be in safe hands.

Now, let’s move onto the main spectacle of 2023. Brace yourselves – we’ve got big national chains setting their sights on Greenville. Whataburger, The Habit Burger, Texas de Brazil, Bricktop’s, Feng Cha, and Pollo Campero are just a few names making their way into our foodie haven.

Our local culinary champions haven’t gone unnoticed, either. Chefs like Dayna Lee-Marquez, Ken Kolb, and Carl Sobocinski have been lauded for their outstanding talents and contributions. And let’s spare a thought for the local spots we had to bid farewell to—Tanner’s Big Orange, Swad Restaurant & Grill, Barley’s Taproom & Pizzaria, Cateran’s Buffet Restaurant, and Truth Grill & Chill – we’ll miss you.

And now, leave room for some exciting new culinary adventures. Downtown Greenville welcomed O-Ku and Indaco, bringing authentic Asian and modern-Italian flavours into the mix. Oh, and County Square is about to expand your dining options even further. We’re talking Whole Foods, Ben & Jerry’s, JINYA Ramen Bar, The Perch Kitchen & Tap, and Agave Bandido – with more to come.

As we conclude our culinary journey through Greenville County in 2023, we extend a heartfelt thank you for being a part of this delightful experience with us. Keep those foodie tips coming our way, and let’s continue to share the love for good eats in the Upstate. And hey, if you ever want to chat more about food and dining, you can always reach out to me. Happy munching! Cheers!