Renovated City Tavern reopens with new facade

City Officials Celebrate Return of Popular Main Street Eatery

City leaders joined the owners of City Tavern for a grand re-opening celebration. The bar and restaurant located at 128 N. Main Street underwent a facade improvement and interior upgrades to its first floor and kitchen.

The tavern closed for construction in March. It’s teal-colored exterior was replaced by a modern, glass façade with eye-catching signage and a new entryway.

Scott Woods, who owns the building at corner of Main and East North streets, and his business partners, Jeremy Krauze and Chris Rosensteel of Society Sandwich Bar and Social Club, utilized the City’s Façade Improvement Program for a return of $250,000 of construction expenses.

Krauze and Rosensteel bring their culinary experience to City Tavern. Woods, who has operated the business for two decades, is most excited about the expansion to a full kitchen and an elevated menu.

During the two-month closure Woods was able to keep long-term employees on the payroll. “We are excited about the project. It’s nerve wracking. It’s not just the construction. It’s … making sure that my staff is taken care of in the process. Keeping them employed, occupied and trying to get through it in the seven weeks,” Woods said when the closure started in March.

Woods wants City Tavern to remain familiar and comfortable for regular patrons. Phase one of the renovations include a new bar area, a raised ceiling and new flooring.

Krauze and Rosensteel will continue their investment during phase two, which will activate the second and third floors. Both floors are vacant. They have not yet released renderings or a formal concept for the space.

“We have done Society for four years,” Krauze said. “We’ve got some legs under it. We’ve thought about expanding to different cities, but we really love Greenville and what the community has to offer. So, we’re like, let’s dig deeper here.” “I think this is an opportunity for us to be a little more relevant and moving forward,” Woods added, “for you know, another 20. I’m excited.”