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Downtown Greenville to lose elevated restaurant after 7 years: 'This was a tough call'

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/29 .. taurant-after-7-years-this-was-a-tough-call.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 16:35 GMT by The Greenville News

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Foxcroft Food & Wine Shuts Its Doors, Ending an Iconic Chapter of Downtown Greenville

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Greenville’s culinary community, Foxcroft Food & Wine, the city’s long‑standing upscale eatery, announced on October 29 that it will permanently close its downtown location. The closure follows months of declining sales, rising operating costs, and a broader shift in consumer dining habits that has left many specialty restaurants struggling. The building at 123 Main Street, once the centerpiece of a thriving business corridor, will be repurposed for a new venture that remains undisclosed at this time.

A Legacy of Flavor and Community

Foxcroft Food & Wine opened its doors in 2004, quickly earning a reputation for its farm‑to‑table menu, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list that featured both local South Carolina vintners and international selections. The restaurant’s interior—characterized by exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and a large communal fireplace—offered a warm, intimate dining experience that attracted locals and tourists alike. Over the years, Foxcroft became more than a dining destination; it was a gathering place for civic leaders, industry groups, and the city’s social scene. The restaurant hosted charity galas, business mixers, and seasonal celebrations, often collaborating with the Greenville Food Bank and the local arts council.

Owner and chef Maria Gomez, who brought a Mediterranean flair to the menu, has been quoted as saying, “We’ve always believed that food is a bridge between cultures, and Foxcroft was built on that idea. It’s hard to say goodbye, but we’re proud of the community we’ve built together.”

Economic Pressures and the Pandemic’s Aftermath

The decision to close was rooted in a confluence of financial challenges. Foxcroft’s revenue fell 25% in 2024, a trend that accelerated after the COVID‑19 pandemic, which forced temporary closures, reduced capacity, and an abrupt shift to delivery and take‑out. Although the restaurant had diversified its revenue streams—offering catering, wine tastings, and a small retail section of artisanal goods—the cumulative impact of higher rent, increased labor costs, and the need for ongoing renovations proved unsustainable.

A spokesperson for the downtown business association noted that Foxcroft’s rent had increased by 15% over the past three years, while the broader market saw rising utility costs and a higher minimum wage. “The hospitality sector is under unprecedented strain,” the spokesperson said. “We’ve seen several long‑standing establishments struggle to keep their doors open.”

The association’s CEO, Jonathan Lee, highlighted the broader economic climate: “Downtown Greenville has seen a surge in new development, which has driven up property values and operational expenses for many tenants. While growth is positive, it also creates a challenging environment for smaller, locally owned businesses.”

Community Reaction and Support Efforts

The closure announcement was met with an outpouring of support from patrons, employees, and local officials. A grassroots campaign, “Save Foxcroft,” organized fundraising efforts and a petition that gathered over 3,000 signatures in just two weeks. The Greenville City Council held an emergency meeting to discuss possible incentives for the restaurant to remain open, including a temporary reduction in property taxes and assistance with renovation costs. Mayor Sarah Thompson, who has been a vocal advocate for downtown revitalization, remarked, “Foxcroft has been a staple of our community for over a decade, and we’re exploring every avenue to keep it alive.”

Employees have faced uncertainty as well. Foxcroft’s kitchen staff and servers, many of whom have worked there for years, expressed a mix of disappointment and gratitude. A longtime server, James “Jim” Patel, stated, “We’ve been family here. The thought of losing that is painful. I’m hopeful the space will find another business that respects its legacy.”

The Future of the 123 Main Street Space

The building’s future remains unclear. The Greenville Downtown Development Authority has issued a call for proposals from developers interested in repurposing the property. Early indications suggest the space may become a boutique retail location, a coworking hub, or a new dining concept that maintains the historic charm of the original structure.

A local real estate analyst, Karen Mendez, noted, “There is a growing trend of adaptive reuse projects downtown. If the city can secure a partner that aligns with community values, the 123 Main Street site could become a new anchor for the area.”

The restaurant’s closure also raises questions about the health of the downtown dining scene. While the city’s overall restaurant count has risen, many establishments are consolidating or shifting to hybrid models. The Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s latest report indicated a 12% decline in average restaurant revenue over the past year, underscoring the need for strategic support for local businesses.

A Farewell and an Opportunity

Foxcroft Food & Wine’s final day of service will be marked by a closing celebration that invites the community to reflect on the restaurant’s impact. The menu will feature signature dishes such as the slow‑roasted lamb shank, heirloom tomato bisque, and the chef’s renowned chocolate mousse. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a curated selection of wines that celebrated the restaurant’s two‑decade partnership with the South Carolina Wine Growers Association.

As Foxcroft’s lights dim on Main Street, the closure signals both an end and a beginning for downtown Greenville. While the loss of a beloved dining destination is felt deeply, the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural fabric and supporting local entrepreneurship offers a hopeful path forward. The transformation of 123 Main Street into a new community asset—whether culinary, commercial, or civic—will likely become a new chapter in Greenville’s evolving story, much like the one Foxcroft Food & Wine helped write.