Culinary Renaissance Grips Conway as New Eateries Flourish

Conway: A Culinary Transformation on the Rise!

Welcome to Conway, South Carolina, where the dining scene is buzzing with excitement! This charming town has been experiencing a culinary makeover, and there’s no better time to grab your friends and explore the delicious options now available.

Anto’s Pizza Romana & Italian Market: A Local Gem

Meet Anthony Ludovici-DeBrigida, a passionate entrepreneur with a vision to create a pizza haven right in the heart of downtown. After years in the pizzeria business and being inspired by his family’s previous venture, Anthony made his dream a reality by opening Anto’s Pizza Romana & Italian Market this past October.

Finding the perfect spot came after some serious searching with a local realtor, leading him to a location that was once home to the Pickled Cucumber. Although that restaurant served delicious meals from 2018 until its closure in June 2024, its space was waiting for the right person, and Anthony felt an instant connection to the vibe of downtown Conway.

The Dining Boom in Conway

But hang on! Anto’s isn’t the only eatery making waves in Conway. Just before Anthony opened his doors, other new restaurants had already begun to inject life into the area. For instance, the healthy food hub Bowled recently launched its second location in Conway, and Palmetto Taps, a self-serve beer bar, welcomed its first customers in August 2024.

That’s not all; much-loved local favorites like River City Cafe are gearing up to set up shop, and the popular wing spot Kluck It is aiming to expand into the downtown area, signaling a bright future for culinary enthusiasts.

From Empty Storefronts to Culinary Hotspot

What has contributed to this amazing dining evolution? According to Hillary Howard, the executive director of the Conway Downtown Alliance, there has been a significant turnaround since 2009 when downtown had an astounding 50 empty storefronts. Back then, efforts were made to jazz up the area with interesting campaigns, like putting faces of locals in the vacant shop windows.

After a shift in focus from attracting tourists to drawing in locals, Conway saw a boom in its dining patronage. Key events helped boost local visitations: Hurricane Florence in 2018 led to community support for local eateries, while construction on the Main Street Bridge in 2019 encouraged residents to eat closer to home. Also, the pandemic made curbside pick-up a vital service, which many local spots adapted to swiftly.

Community Events and a Thriving Culture

Now, with over 20 restaurants livening up downtown Conway, the culinary growth doesn’t show signs of stopping. City officials have been proactive in hosting year-round events to entice residents to visit and dine. The strategy of limiting food trucks keeps the focus on the thriving local restaurants, creating an even stronger community bond and atmosphere.

As Howard says, “Many visitors don’t realize that our entire downtown fits within the same space as a Walmart!” This makes it super convenient to park and explore everything that Conway has to offer in just a few steps.

A Boost for Local Businesses

This renaissance in dining has had a ripple effect. Local shop owners, like Russell Fowler, know that the synergy between restaurants and shops creates a delightful experience for everyone. Fowler, who has run several businesses in Conway for 36 years, emphasized that more diners lead to more shoppers. “People come for a meal and then love to stroll through the shops,” he remarked.

As the dining scene grows, so does the hope for more diverse options. What about a seafood place or perhaps a cozy steakhouse? Howard believes that there’s potential for more eateries as the area’s population continues to rise!

The Future Looks Bright

The culinary landscape in Conway is on an exciting trajectory, and with ongoing efforts, local businesses are bound to flourish. With everyone coming together to support their community, it’s clear that Conway is evolving into a true culinary hotspot that locals and visitors alike can enjoy!