Downtown dinner theater, Cafe and Then Some, announces closing in mid-2025, what to know
Downtown staple Cafe & Then Some announced its longtime dinner theater concept at 101 College St. would close after nearly a half-century of plays, food, and comedic relief.
The operation run by Bill and Susan Smith will complete its 2024 season of theater sets and continue shows through the middle of 2025 before fully closing down.
A social media posting was announced on Wednesday, Aug. 7, declaring their soon-to-be closing:
Why is Cafe and Then Some Closing?
According to Doug Smith, son of Bill and Susan, Cafe and Then Some is the oldest-running dinner theater in the Southeast and is approaching its 47th year.
As Bill and Susan gracefully age, their priorities are shifting, and they are looking to spend more time outside the business and create new memories, he said.
"It's time for my dad and stepmother to step down," said Doug Smith. "They're ready for another chapter in life, to enjoy time with their grandbabies, to spend time with family, and to experience different types of laughter."
Smith confirmed that the business would operate as usual throughout the year but would feature around four more show ideas, including original plays by his brother Matt. He is hopeful Cafe and Then Some will run another live musical in addition to the current planned performance schedule.
"Nothing has made me happier than watching my mother and stepfather on stage," Smith said. "I grew up watching them on stage and it's always been home."
More dining: At least 14 food retail establishments closed in Greenville since January 2024, see list
What is Cafe and Then Some known for?
Cafe and Then Some is known as the longstanding downtown dinner theater on the corner of College and Richardson Streets but is more known for its comedic and whimsical approach to celebrating Greenville.
Their content is sometimes political, controversial, and themed to highlight things happening in Greenville about pop culture. Past show titles include "Extreme Makeover Greenville Edition," "Real Housewives of Oconee County," "Miracle on 291 Bypass," and more. It is also regarded as one of the first places in the area that catered to drag shows, avant-garde style movies on Tuesday evenings, and being creative in the arts.
Cafe and Then Some has an appetizer, dinner, and dessert menu crafted by Pat Long. The menu features steaks, chicken, fresh greens, and more.
"Cafe and Then Some has always been a safe place for all walks of life," Smith said. "We've always tried to be a mirror to Greenville so it could poke fun of and celebrate itself."
For more information on Cafe and Then Some, visit their website at https://cafeats.com
– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at [email protected], and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Cafe and Then Some, Greenville dinner theater, to close mid-2025
