Off The Grid Greenville is an insider’s guide,
uncovering and celebrating the best of the Upstate’s culinary and cultural offerings
- content creators
- art directors
- writers
- photographer
- food stylists
- mothers
- fathers
- friends
Our Purpose.
Connecting cultues through food
Mission
Off The Grid Greenville is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports underrepresented small businesses in the Upstate of South Carolina. Our mission is to use independent media to educate the community by highlighting the best local small businesses and showing how food connects us.
Vision
Through donations and sponsorships, we seek to inspire our local community to action and influence, compelling our audience to support lesser-known independent restaurants, providers, and organizations until they are no longer considered underrepresented.
- curious
- irreverent
- funny
- innovative
- honest
- diverse
- alternative
- opinionated
Our Story
It all started with a party
A wedding, in fact. In Spring 2016, OTGG founder Jackie Shapiro Brooker’s wedding reception was truly a celebration of cultures, many of which were commonplace in her hometown of Miami Beach, Florida.
With 100 friends attending of varying cultural backgrounds, we realized that mainstream Greenville media was missing several demographics. With the help of FishEye Studios, we set out to photograph and write professional articles about “the rest of Greenville.”
An arts educator with a passion for bringing people together over food, Jackie channeled the energy from that milestone event into a new creative venture that would reach an audience beyond her close friends and family.
In 2016 Jackie built a website and launched social media accounts, and Off The Grid Greenville was officially born. Since then, operations have expanded to include board of directors, securing 501(c)3 status and engaging multiple contributing writers and photographers also committed to sharing stories that impact the community.
Impact.
Unleashing the Power of Local:
Off The Grid Greenville’s Impact on Food & Community
Spotlighting Underrepresented Gems:
Greenville’s culinary scene is brimming with hidden treasures, many owned and operated by minority entrepreneurs. We go beyond the mainstream, venturing “Off The Grid” to discover these hidden gems and share their stories with the world. Through captivating narratives and mouthwatering visuals, we bring these businesses and their talented individuals to the forefront, increasing their visibility and driving foot traffic.
Empowering Local Businesses:
We don’t just write about these businesses; we empower them. Through our educational programs and mentorships, we equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to market themselves effectively and navigate the ever-changing business landscape. This allows them to thrive and contribute to Greenville’s economic and cultural prosperity.
Cultivating a Supportive Community:
Off The Grid Greenville is more than just a website and social media page; it’s a community. We connect passionate eaters with the businesses they love, fostering a culture of appreciation for local, independent food. We encourage our readers to not only dine at these establishments but also to share their experiences, support their initiatives, and become vocal advocates for their success.
Building Bridges Through Food:
We believe that food is a powerful tool for social change. By supporting local businesses, we’re not just satisfying our taste buds; we’re supporting local families, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating the diversity that makes Greenville such a special place.
Inspiring Action:
We aim to inspire our community to embrace the “Off The Grid” philosophy. We encourage everyone to venture beyond the familiar, explore new flavors, and support the businesses that are shaping Greenville’s culinary identity. Together, we can build a more vibrant, inclusive, and delicious Greenville, one bite at a time.
Ready to join the Off The Grid community?
By joining us on this journey, you’re not just supporting local businesses; you’re contributing to a brighter future for Greenville.
Here’s how you can contribute:
Support our local businesses: Visit the restaurants and shops we feature, share their stories with your friends and family, and leave positive reviews.
Become a donor: Your donations help us continue our mission of educating the community and supporting local businesses.
Volunteer: Share your skills and passion with us and help us reach a wider audience.
Spread the word: Share our articles and guides on social media and encourage others to explore the hidden gems of Greenville.
Partners.
People who helped us make a difference.
Social.
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