Meticulous model of HMS Victory built on 18 years of painstaking passion
Greenville County resident Phil Kessack has spent his spare time the last 15 years constructing a four-foot model of the HMS Victory from scratch.
Content & Copywriter
SCPA Award-winning journalist specializing in food & bev, travel, arts and business... All the fun things. GVL Based but happy to travel
Probably drinking wine with my cat right now.
Get to know: Profiles
BlocHaven climbing gym born from passion for family, wellness
A person's journey to how they started a particular business can be unique but not all involve IT, opera, homeschooling and health scares.
Swamp Rabbit Cafe: From trail pioneers to community landmark in 13 years
It seems odd now to think of a time when Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery wasn’t a drop-in for produce or a pretty mean sandwich.
Get to Know: Austyn McGroarty, Curean executive chef
With Austyn McGroarty, what you see is what you get.
Get to know: Marcus Beato, new executive chef at Urban Wren
Urban Wren’s new executive chef, Marcus Beato, is a well-traveled guy from Jersey City, New Jersey.
Get to know Malaki Craft, new executive chef of AC Hotel Greenville
Craft became known in the Upstate first as executive chef at Rick Erwin’s Clemson and made the move to AC Hotel in April, but his food and beverage lifestyle stretches far back.
Get to Know: Jacque Metras, The Rabbit Hole chef
Jacque Metras made her debut as executive chef at The Rabbit Hole in West Greenville last year.
Roost Restaurant is rolling out a new menu. Meet the chef behind it.
Roost Restaurant on North Main Street has a new executive chef, Zac Leepper, and he arrived on a mission.
“I’m looking forward to trying to make this one of the best restaurants in Greenville,” Leepper said.
Leepper is a native of Springfield, Illinois, but has lived in Chicago, Spain and Florida since he left his hometown. Greenville is his newest home, which he moved to sight unseen just shy of two months ago.
Between exploring the city he previously only knew through Google Images and roll...
“I’m looking forward to trying to make this one of the best restaurants in Greenville,” Leepper said.
Leepper is a native of Springfield, Illinois, but has lived in Chicago, Spain and Florida since he left his hometown. Greenville is his newest home, which he moved to sight unseen just shy of two months ago.
Between exploring the city he previously only knew through Google Images and roll...
Eat & Drink
A night upstairs at The Anchorage: Weekly Dish
This week, we want to highlight a lesser-known amenity of The Anchorage, specifically its second floor.
Making the ‘ugliest little truffle’ at the country’s best chocolate shop: Weekly Dish
LaRue Fine Chocolate owner Elizabeth McDaniel has carved out a space for herself as the village of West Greenville’s resident chocolatier.
Soby's wins prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award, a first for SC restaurants
South Carolina’s first Wine Spectator Grand Award has been received and the honor has been given to Greenville’s Soby’s New South Cuisine.
Caviar, The Commons and Community Corridor food trucks: Weekly Dish
Last week, Greenville Journal visited The Village of West Greenville’s Spoonbill Gallery for Bubbles & Brine presented by Curean.
The mysterious soft shell crab season is here. Here's why you should get them while you can
The soft shell crab or ‘softie’ is blue crab commonly found along the East, Gulf and Caribbean coasts.
Chef Nico Abello talks new restaurant, unfinished business: Weekly Dish
It will be French but not limited by that identity.
Spanish catering business Paseo opens restaurant in The Commons
Paseo’s cuisine and wine offerings are Spanish in identity and invoke a sense of purism for its heritage.
DeMarco's Italian brings 'big city vibes' to downtown Greenville
DeMarco’s Italian on Augusta Street, next to Fluor Field, brings an old school, Italian-American joint vibe but shifts it into a contemporary setting, ditching the white table cloths and infusing raw energy.
Homemade inspiration: Family foods that inspired 6 Greenville chefs
We asked six Greenville chefs what got them interested in cooking. Unsurprisingly, many were inspired at home as kids.
7 holiday cocktails around Greenville and where to get them: Weekly Dish
All we want for Christmas is a cocktail to accompany the shopping.
Greenville chef hauls supplies to NC after Helene, inspired by New Orleans experience
On a quiet Wednesday morning on Oct. 2, Greenville-based chef Conner Hinderks was en route to Asheville hauling supplies and food following Hurricane Helene.
Upstate restaurant community bands together following Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene tore through the Upstate Sept. 27, Greenville’s restaurant community was not immune to damage.
The Dutchman, a seafood spot from 'The 05' creators, coming to downtown Greenville
If you thought downtown Greenville was lacking raw bar options, you’ll be pleased to hear one will make its way to the corner of North Laurens and West Washington Street in 2025.
Get your tokens ready! Game bar trend conjures wistful past - Charleston City Paper
In a city full of arcade and video game lovers (and perhaps some folks stuck in a sort of infantile fixation), bar-goers may begin to wonder where to find the nearest bar and turn those games into prizes.
Island plate lunch comes to Greer via family from Guam
A concept relatively new to the Upstate – the island plate lunch – has opened in Greer.
Swordfish ‘secret’ coin unlocks a menu for Greenville restaurant workers
There are two undeniable truths about working in restaurants: The hours will be nontraditional, and the camaraderie shared among coworkers is unmatched and incomparable to many other professions.
Greenville bars, NC-based gin maker join to support women in hospitality
Conniption Gin launched “Raising a Glass to Closing the Gap” in March, a national campaign to recognize the efforts made by women in hospitality.
These spots will curb your Caribbean cravings - Charleston City Paper
Each year, the city sees events like Carifest, the founder of which, Lorna Shelton Beck, was honored by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington D.C. last year, and Charleston Caribbean Jerk Festival, which takes place on July 20 at Riverfront Park.
3 eateries to open in PKL Park GVL. Here's what to expect
Pickle ball complex PKL Park GVL, set to open in the fall next to Unity Park, is bringing three eateries along for the ride. Here’s what to expect.
Spilling secrets: Five off-menu items in Greenville and where to find them
Secret menu items are coveted information. Rumors exist, yet you rarely know how, when and where to ask.
Wade’s Restaurant owners reflect on legacy ahead of James Beard award ceremony
“That’s the scariest part. Someone has this in mind of a James Beard award-winning (restaurant) and it’s not a 77-year-old restaurant,” said Wade Lindsey III, co-owner of the restaurant.
Greenville restaurant real estate trends lean on hot locations, identity ideals
Similar to a dish with required ingredients that’s flexible in its execution, what the owner is looking for can vary. But there are certain aspects proprietors and real estate brokers repeatedly discuss when looking for locations.
First look: Table 301's first restaurant outside of downtown Greenville
Table 301 Restaurant Group will soon open Tavola, an Italian-inspired eatery and its first restaurant outside of downtown Greenville.
Restaurant vets: Meet some of Greenville's career servers
Restaurant servers are often entrusted with the celebration of a milestone, the experience of a meal or just an evening’s enjoyment.
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Theatre and the Arts
Poe Mill Music combines professional studio recording, intimate music venue
A state-of-the-art recording studio will soon open in one of Greenville’s historic mill communities.
Updated rendering: Trueline music venue in Greenville's West End
Between recognizing the city of Greenville’s trailblazers and developing its 34,000-square-foot music venue, The Trueline Greenville team has been busy.
Trueline Greenville campaign highlights good works in the community
Doing good things does not always get recognized. Trueline Greenville wants to change that in Greenville by launching its See Good, Say Good campaign.
Writer, actor strikes affect S.C. productions
You’ve seen it all over social media: A-list actors discussing on their Instagram stories why the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is on strike.
Is 'Dave' a True Story?
A little over ten years ago, on April 23, 2013, Dave Burd released his first video on YouTube, producing the video using money he saved from his Bar Mitzvah.
What the Fredo Kiss Meant for 'The Godfather' Franchise
It's one of the most memorable scenes in movie history.
The True Story Behind Jack Nicholson's Character in 'The Departed'
The Departed, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese erupted in 2007 with a storm.
Photographer Bramblett documents rising sea levels
For many Charlestonians, flooded streets are a phenomenon you learn to expect.
47-foot Greenville mural symbolizes hope for the homeless
It was a chilly day at Triune Mercy Center, but not too cold
Summerville husband, wife team create faith-based musical
Summerville-based husband-and-wife team Chuck and Karen Smith explore the biblical story of David and go “beyond the lion’s den” in their captivating new musical.
'Native Gardens' is a heartwarming tale of overcoming disagreements
Charleston Stage brings Karen Zacarías’ Native Gardens to the Dock Street Theatre through March 26 co-directed by Marybeth Clark and Henry Clay Middleton.
New play pays tribute to activist Clark
Septima is a new play by Patricia Williams Dockery offering an inside look at Charleston native and civil rights icon Septima P. Clark’s legendary life.
Pets and animal-related content
Adoptable Pet of the Month is an original column I started at the Greenville Journal. It highlights pets available for adoption at the Greenville Humane Society.
Oasis Animal Hospital to open 15,000-square-foot facility
Its owners, Dr. Atticus Mabry and Dr. Kristen Espinoza, hope to increase its capacity for community outreach and services. In the process, they hope to refine the experiences of pet owners. Internally, the partners hope to enhance the work life of staff.
Greenville Humane Society breaks ground on facility expansion
Up to 100 words plus 1 image for print, full press release online, up to 3 images. Minimum photo size is 2 MB. Cost: $229.
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Press releases that do not conform...
Acceptable Copy Guidelines for the CJ Guaranteed Service
Before issuing a press release over the CJ Guaranteed service you will have to confirm that you have the right to do so and that you have read and understood the CJ Guaranteed terms and conditions. If you have any doubt on either of these points, please do not send the press release.
Press releases that do not conform...
Upstate teen battling cancer granted puppy-shaped wish
The nonprofit brought toys and treats for the puppy and her new owner, and the veterinary hospital has pledged to provide lifelong care for the puppy.
November’s adoptable pet: Beetlejuice
We’re trying something new this month, featuring a pet available for adoption at the Greenville Humane Society. If you like this feature, be sure to let us know at greenvillejournal.com/contact.
The inaugural pet of the month, Beetlejuice, is a 7-year-old good boy with a laid-back disposition. He enjoys leisurely walks, hanging out on the couch and snuggling. He is open to a rousing game of fetch from time to time.
As is evident from his hobbies, Beetlejuice is a chill dude and would enjoy a h...
The inaugural pet of the month, Beetlejuice, is a 7-year-old good boy with a laid-back disposition. He enjoys leisurely walks, hanging out on the couch and snuggling. He is open to a rousing game of fetch from time to time.
As is evident from his hobbies, Beetlejuice is a chill dude and would enjoy a h...
Clemson's new veterinary college beginning to take shape
When Clemson University’s board of trustees announced last year that it was launching South Carolina’s first veterinary college, many had the same reaction: “I thought we already had one.”
But thousands of the state’s aspiring veterinary students have known for decades that they would have to go elsewhere to obtain their education before returning home to care for critters.
That is about to change.
The people charged with shaping the new school are fully aware of the unique opportunity both C...
But thousands of the state’s aspiring veterinary students have known for decades that they would have to go elsewhere to obtain their education before returning home to care for critters.
That is about to change.
The people charged with shaping the new school are fully aware of the unique opportunity both C...