Greenville County was officially established in 1786, which means our area is 234 years old. 🎂
A lot of businesses have opened + closed since then. Ever wondered which businesses in Greenville have withstood the test of time? Yeah, we did too. So we did some digging and rounded up some of the oldest businesses in the area.
From jewelry shops to sandwich makers to local law firms, the Upstate has multiple businesses that have been around for 60+ years – and a handful that have been around for more than a century.
Here are some local businesses that have been serving the Upstate for generations.
Hale’s Jewelers, 532 Haywood Rd. | Est. 1856
Timeless jewelry, including engagement rings + watches. Read more about the history behind this biz here.
Mackey Funerals and Cremations, 311 Century Dr. | Est. 1872
One of the first funeral and cremation providers in our area.
The Furman Co., 101 N Main St. #1400 | Est. 1888
This group has provided insurance and development services in real estate for 125+ years.
Gillespie Marble and Granite Works, 801 Laurens Rd. | Est. 1899
Creates grave monuments, markers, custom granite, marble, and bronze memorials.
Safety Components, 40 Emery St., Dunean | Est. 1912
Safety Components has manufactured textile fabrics in Greenville for more than 100 years. They currently specialize in technology driven high-performance textiles (think first responders, military, etc.).
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, 639 N Main St. | Est. 1913
A family-owned business that started in the days of the horse-drawn hearse. Brought the first motor ambulance to Greenville in the early 1900’s.
Smith & James, 1125 Woodruff Rd. #1702 + 222 Trade St., Greer | Est. 1916
An upscale men’s clothing store. The year they were founded, a local news outlet called Smith & James (then Smith & Vaughn) an “exclusive up-to-date Gent’s furnishings store.”
Duke Sandwich Company, 1001 Poinsett Highway + 626 Congaree Rd. | Est. 1917
Pro tip: You can also snag a sandwich at Pickwick Pharmacy on Augusta. Read up on the founder, Eugenia Duke, here.
Wyche, P.A. , 200 E Camperdown Way | Est. 1921
This law firm was originally formed by C. Granville Wyche along with two other attorneys as Cothran, Dean & Wyche. The current day firm is known for having global reach + handling a variety of practice areas.
Jeff Richardson Company, Simpsonville | Est. 1925
A real estate firm founded by Jeff R. Richardson, a Furman graduate + one of the first licensed agents in the Upstate.
Central Realty Holdings, 400 E Stone Ave. | Est. 1926
Talk about a family business – this real estate investment company is now owned by 14 third-generation descendants of founder William R. Timmons, Sr.
Greenville Theatre, 444 College St. | Est. 1926
First known as the Greenville Artists Guild, then the Community Little Theatre, and more recently, Greenville Little Theatre – this center for the arts is “the Upstate’s oldest and largest locally-producing, professional theatre.”
Coldwell Banker Caine, 111 Williams St. | Est. 1933
Specializes in commercial + residential real estate, plus concierge, relocation, and property management.
McKinney Lumber and Hardware, 2046 Laurens Rd. | Est. 1939
Supplier of lumber + hardware for projects ranging from household to large-scale construction.
Canal Insurance, 400 E Stone Ave. | Est. 1939
A provider of commercial truck insurance.
Tanner’s Big Orange, 322 S Pleasantburg Dr. | Est. 1943
A classic Upstate eatery known for its hot dogs + Party Punch. At one time, Tanner’s Big Orange made 2,000 sandwiches per day for the Donaldson Air Base.
Army Navy Store, 660 S Main St. | Est. 1946
Sells surplus military gear.
Bouharoun’s Fine Wines & Spirits, 301 Falls St. | Est. 1946
The store was constructed post WWII in what was once “the middle of town.” That’s important because at the time, there was a local ordinance mandating that liquor could only be sold within city limits. The building is one of the last remaining Art Deco buildings in Greenville.
Old Colony Furniture Company, 3411 Augusta Rd. | Est. 1946
A quality furniture store now on its third generation of family partners.
Pace Jewelers, 1250 Pendleton St. | Est. 1948
Engagement rings, watches + watch repairs in the Village of West Greenville.
Ayers Leather Shop, 24 W. North St. | Est. 1951
Leather goods, unique gifts + luggage repair.
Lake Forest Flooring, 1334 N Pleasantburg Dr. | Est. 1952
Flooring business that features everything from hardwood to carpet, tile + more.
Clock Drive-In, 1844 Wade Hampton Blvd. | Est. 1953
Diner-style food in a classic diner setting. In the 60s, the Clock Drive-In was so popular a police officer was often assigned to the restaurant. The Clock almost closed in 2013, read why they stayed in business here.
Carolina Drive In, 105 Rutherford St. | Est. 1954
When a restaurant’s been around for this long, you know the food is tried-and-true. If you stop by, check out their Meat and Three menu.
Know of another one of Greenville’s oldest businesses? Let us know here or in the comments below.
