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A first peek behind the curtain
The stages are set for a new era of the Peace Center. | Photos by GVLtoday of The Mockingbird (left) and Coach Music Factory (right)
The Peace Center can’t be everything for everyone — CEO Megan Riegel said while standing inside its new listening room, The Mockingbird. “But we’re going to try.”
The arts campus in the heart of downtown is adding two strikingly different, yet complementary, venues, deepening Greenville’s status as a music hub and destination for fans.
The Mockingbird
Sip on a cocktail as you enjoy an intimate performance. | Photos by Jordan Davis for the Peace Center
Second Presbyterian Church is planning a $10 million campus expansion in Greenville’s West End to accommodate a growing membership. The long-term master plan includes a new Christian education building starting this summer, future parking improvements, and a larger sanctuary. (Greenville Journal)
Open
Luna Cafe is now open in downtown Simpsonville, bringing Colombian-inspired cafe fare to Main Street. Owner Claudia Amézquita, a former psychologist from Colombia, weaves family, culture, and personal healing into the long-held dream turned storefront. (Upstate Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Speaking of Simpsonville, Flock Shop Hot Chicken is taking over the former Willy Taco space on Main Street. Both concepts are owned by Hub City Hospitality. The Spartanburg-born hot chicken spot, founded in 2019, is set to open on Monday, Jan. 19. (Upstate Business Journal)
Quoted
“You have to live in Greenville for more than half of your life.” That’s what one of you said in our poll asking what makes someone a Greenville native. We’ll share the full results in an upcoming newsletter, so weigh in.
Ranked
No. 1. That’s where the “Minecraft” graphic novels ranked on the Greenville County Library’s list of the most-checked-out books of 2025. No. 2 was “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, which topped the list in 2024. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Biz
Curated Threads is helping refresh Greenville closets. Founded by Whitney McMeekin and Courtney Russell, the styling duo offers in-home closet edits, personal shopping, and custom lookbooks, bringing polished outfits and organization straight to clients who’d rather skip the store. (TOWN)
Watch
James Beard Award-winning filmmaker Rioin Oshiro is finishing “The Soil Remembers,” a documentary following Montgomery Sky Farm owners Taylor and Fran Montgomery as they leave restaurant life for regenerative farming and private dining. The film, rooted in post–Hurricane Helene recovery, is expected to be released early this year. (Greenville Journal)
Beauty
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Qdoba is joining the Greenridge lineup in 2026. | Photo by Shops at Greenridge
We all brave Woodruff Road for a trip to Shops at Greenridge. The popular shopping center is 97.3% leased — with only a handful of spaces still open, what’s missing?
We asked you to Be the Broker and let us know. Here were some of the most requested shops:
Michelle S. wrote that she wants a Shake Shack. We have good news for you, Michelle. It looks like one’s coming to Woodruff Road soon. Until then, one of my favorite burger spots is HipBurger.
The Buy
Every Thursday, lululemon adds new markdowns to its We Made Too Much section. Read: Deals, on deals, on deals. This is what we’re shopping this week:
Annie G. said, “Another way out... or two,” when building her Greenridge wishlist, and I felt that. The good news: It isn’t nearly as busy now as it was during the holiday season, if you’re headed out for early January sales and deals.
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