More than fifteen years after opening his first Spinx service station and convenience store, Stewart Spinks again chose Greenville to launch something new.
The Spinx Market & Eatery officially opened its doors Wednesday on Main Street in downtown’s West End. Located at 659 S. Main St. – formerly the home of Cook’s Station – the Market is the first of its kind for Spinx, offering a unique layout and products from 15 local companies.
“Stewart and his family have really committed to a level of quality here that has really raised the bar,” Mayor Knox White said, speaking of company founder Stewart Spinks. “This could have just been a ‘grab-n-go’ concept, but they’ve made it something truly special, as you can see when you come in here.”
In addition to the standard quick-service fare available at other Spinx convenience stores – including pre-made sandwiches, fountain drinks and the company’s signature fried chicken – beer and wine can also be bought and enjoyed on premise. The market sells products from Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery and exclusively serves Methodical Coffee. To top off its offerings, Greenville-based Double Stamp Brewery created two special brews just for the Spinx Market & Eatery.
The store’s décor pays homage to the company’s history, with pictures of founder Stewart Spinks and the first convenience store location in Greenville, in 1972. The company has plans to use the Market & Eatery model in other locations, but just as it was 50 years ago, the first will always be in Greenville.
“Aren’t you proud of this city?” Spinks asked the crowd at the Market’s ribbon cutting. “We are thrilled to be downtown and have our presence on Main Street.”
Standing with Mayor White following the ceremony, Spinks said he often reflects on the important role Greenville has played in his personal and professional journey. “We’ve grown together,” Spinks said. “There’s a feeling in Greenville of collegiality. If you’re successful, I’m going to be more successful.”
Spinx Market & Eatery is open seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The gas station and convenience store chain has grown to more than 80 convenience stores in South Carolina, employing more than 1,400 associates. In 2023, the company was named seventh nationally as a “Great Place to work in the U.S. for Women” by Great Place to Work®.
The Spinks family has remained engaged, giving back to the community through the Spinks Family Foundation and donating more than $4 million to local charities since 2000. The City of Greenville declared Dec. 1, 2022, “Stewart Spinks Day” to honor the company’s 50thanniversary.
Written by the City of Greenville.