By: Kristien King // Taylors, S.C. resident
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Yesterday I learned of Due South’s moving to Hampton Station. To say I’m sad and disappointed would be an understatement. For five years, I’ve enjoyed what Due South brought to Taylors - a community that desperately needed this space as a place to gather, work, and of course enjoy some very good coffee.
I’ve seen the Taylors community grow around the Mill over the past several years and foster a welcoming environment for artists and businesses. I was a volunteer on the team who started the Farmers Market that meets weekly in the parking lot in front of Due South - a parking lot we chose as our market location due to the surrounding businesses and culture.
But now they’re moving. I would never presume to dictate to a business owner what they can and cannot do with their business. However, I would be remiss not to say what I feel about this move.
The word “community” is one that’s used a lot these days, especially by small businesses looking to reach out to potential customers. It’s warm and fuzzy and makes people feel good like they’re making a difference. Patrick McInerney was quoted in the saying “Coffee and community are inseparable.” Well, apparently not. For all the talk of bringing the community together and after 5 years being a member of the Taylors community – Due South’s logo even has the words “Tailored in Taylors” – they are moving on to a more hip, happening part of town. Business-wise, I’m sure this makes sense. It sounds like they’ll be expanding their operations and will be located in an area that is rapidly growing.
I’m sure more profits are to be made and they’ll get more exposure, and isn’t that the point of starting a business anyway? But I can’t help but feel a sense of abandonment, and let’s stop kidding ourselves that businesses being invested in the community is their primary goal. Money is still the bottom line.
According to UBJ, “Less than a mile away from Hampton Station, a second Due South location is already under construction at The Commons.” Really? Two Due South’s will be within a mile of one another, but they can’t keep the one in Taylors.
I’ll probably never go to the new Due South. Not for any sort of vindictive, revenge-y reason, but I just don’t ever go to that part of town. I grew up in Taylors, I live in Greer, and I work downtown Greenville. In my very limited and precious free time, I can only make it to so many new places to try. Due South’s location in Taylors was perfect because I didn’t have to make a special trip to go there, or set aside hours of my day or drive through Greenville’s ever increasing traffic. The hidden, tucked-away little coffee shop where I’ve met with friends, attended shows, and enjoyed many cups of coffee was special. It felt like it was mine. It was unique and cool and I was proud that it was in Taylors where I grew up. It saddens me that Taylors isn’t part of Due South’s long-term vision, and it sucks that our community wasn’t good enough to keep it.
