Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery opens 'mart' in downtown Greenville with menu favorites
Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery will open an abbreviated version of its City View location to downtown Greenville on April 1.
The new grab-and-go concept called Swamp Mart debuts at 15 S. Main St.
Owners Mary Walsh and Jac Oliver bring their most popular handmade breakfast, lunch, and snack options including egg and cheese, plus turkey pesto sandwiches to the heart of downtown. The menu is similar to what is offered at the flagship store located at 205 Cedar Lane Road.
The opening announcement was made to Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery's Instagram account on March 27. During that week, a four-day soft launch gave workers, visitors, and downtown residents what was to come.
Since opening in 2011, Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery has specialized in South Carolina-grown produce from farmers and vendors committed to organic and ethically sourced ingredients. The company purchases over $100,000 each month from local vendors and farmers.
"We're so excited for the opening of this new location and expanding our ability to bring even better, local food to our community," said Walsh.
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How the grab-and-go concept began and what to expect
The building leasing agent at 15 S. Main St. suggested the grab-and-go food concept, according to Rachel Pitman, marketing manager for Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. Over the years, owners Walsh and Oliver received repeated requests from the business community to bring the cafe and grocery near downtown, she added.
After 13 years of operating their flagship store, a taste of locally farmed ingredients, recipes, and easy-to-carry menu items seemed like a great idea for the growing food options along Main Street.
"We're happy to be bringing our homemade goods downtown so that it's a bit more accessible for those who live and work downtown," said Pitman.
Located in what is known as the "Wells Fargo building," Swamp Mart will feature many of the favorites and best sellers from the flagship store plus fruits, coffee, and other snacks.
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A bevy of pastry options include scones, cookies, Brazilian cheese puffs, salads, wraps, and the popular stecca bread.
What are the hours and dining arrangements?
Swamp Mart will begin with store hours of 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on weekdays, which could change with business needs, according to Pitman.
Inside seating includes four bistro-style tables with 16 seats, couches, soft seating in the lobby, and an outdoor courtyard on the backside of the establishment.
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Swamp Mart is the newest of the grab-and-go style lunch and breakfast sandwich shops downtown. Others include The Walkabout at 491 S. Main St., Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar at 355 S. Main St., Fresh Salads Ect. at 120 N. Main St.
– 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: Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery opens Swamp Mart in downtown Greenville