Greenville’s Guide to Cafeterias

K&W. Morrisons. Piccadilly. S&S.

Who remembers when the highlight of the week was heading to a cafeteria each week to join folks in their Sunday best and hats worthy of the Kentucky Derby? Lots of us have memories of attending church with our families, then heading straight from the pew to the parking lot of our favorite – or closest – cafeteria. Today, it seems those beloved cafeterias have disappeared, but there was a time…

📆 When did they start?

Well, kids, we’d have to go waaay back to 1893, so we’ll spare you the history lesson. But in Greenville, the first place we could dig up was called Chandler’s Cafeteria (circa 1937). It was located on S. Main St. before relocating to E. Washington St.  Does anyone remember this one? 🤔 We’d love to share a picture (only with permission + credit).

Then in the 1930’s, more cafeterias were established here in Greenville as the textile industry surged.

The good ole’ days…

Well, fear not, you tray slidin’, sweet tea sippin’ folk! We’re on a mission to find any & all remaining cafeterias that have stood the test of time.

⁉️ Where have they gone?

By the awesome ’80s, the expansive growth and efficiency of fast-food and casual-dining establishments were serving up flavor and fair prices, bringing serious competition to the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, for the few that did survive past the turn of the millennia, like K&W and Piccadilly, that damn C*VID pandemic proved deadlier than any competitor ever could. 😭 While a handful of K&W’s, Morrisons/Piccadilly’s, and S&S Cafeterias have survived the last century, only S&S is still operating in Greenville 🎉  

We’re on a mission to find any and all remaining cafeterias! We’ve dubbed it ‘tray surfing’ without anyone’s permission, so…stay tuned to see if it sticks 😜  More importantly, stay tuned to this segment and comment below with your favorite cafeteria memories. And tell us about any places we’ve missed!

First up.

S&S Cafeteria · 1037 N Pleasantburg Dr. 29607 

S&S Cafeteria is still going strong! When a hungry reader reminded us of this long-standing slice of Greenville nostalgia, we felt it was only our duty to pay homage, and boy, did we – by “thoughtfully selecting” everything we could fit on our tray…or Jackie’s 😂 S&S has been a family-run and long-loved establishment, opening in Greenville in the 1970s ☮️

With over 100 options, everyone gets what they want – including dessert! 🥧 🍰 All their sweet treats, from coconut pie to banana pudding, are worth the trip alone! Gauging their success by the number of mouths fed over the past 50+ years, it seems everyone leaves happy & full…and looking forward to coming back again & again!

📝 TAKE NOTE!! S&S Website Caters | Seniors10% OFF  MON – FRI  2p – 4 p.
Can’t wait? Order online 864-233-3339 · Recorded Menu – 864-233-3773 or DoorDash it today! 🚗

See post with video here

Coming soon: Our second cafeteria find just outside of downtown Greenville!