Spartanburg’s Beloved Papa’s Breakfast Nook Closes its Doors after a Successful 35-Year Run
It’s a sunny day here in Spartanburg as we reflect on news that may make locals a tad cloudy. Steve Wilson, owner of the well-known Papa’s Breakfast Nook on East Saint John Street, recently announced his retirement, and with it, the closure of the beloved eatery. This local gem was more than just a restaurant; it was a community staple, a place for late-night study sessions, big breakfasts after a winning game, and friendly conversation with dedicated staff. But on September 27, the lights inside Papa’s were switched off for the perhaps the last time.
The Long-Standing Heritage of Papa’s Breakfast Nook
Opening its doors back in 1989, Papa’s was one of the few gems around town serving up hot meals 24/7. Born out of the entrepreneurial spirit of Sam Rhodes, it quickly became a local hotspot before being sold in 1993 to a coalition of new owners, including Steve Wilson. Over the decades, besides its delicious food, Papa’s received recognition for something else – its resilient spirit. Come storm or sunshine, day or night, Papa’s stayed open.
The Unexpected Storm and The Closure
Unfortunately, even the most sturdy ship can sometimes meet a storm too powerful. On September 27, an unexpected squall from tropical storm Helene cut power to the region, leaving Papa’s in the dark and resulting in a significant loss of food stocks. With the prospect of retirement already playing on his mind, Steve Wilson decided that this was the unfortunate, but perfect time to hang up his apron.
Staff Retention and Menu Highlights
Papa’s was not just a one-man operation; at its peak, it employed close to 40 people, with about 20 on its payroll when it closed its doors. Key amongst the staff was the beloved General Manager, Jim Jolly, and ever-smiling waitress, Judy Greer, who served second helpings of good cheer with breakfast. In terms of the menu, customers would often eagerly await one of the crowd favorites, the Trash Can Omelette, filled with a hearty mix of ham, bacon, onions, green peppers, and a blend of cheese. Steve Wilson also more than tripled the menu items when he took the reins of the restaurant, offering items suitable for any time of day, ensuring a seat at Papa’s was always a desirable one.
The Community Response
Heartfelt stories have been pouring in since the closure, with many locals reminiscing about their favorite meals and moments at Papa’s. The atmosphere of camaraderie and the welcoming staff made Papa’s more than just a restaurant, marking it as a significant loss for the community.
The closure of Papa’s is indeed a bittersweet event. But as we bid our adieu to Steve Wilson and the wonderful team at Papa’s, we wait with bated breath for a new dawn, hopeful that someone else will step in to fill the much-loved breakfast nook and continue serving the community with the same zeal and devotion as before.
For now, we raise our coffee mugs in salute to Papa’s Breakfast Nook, an establishment that satisfied our hankering for delicious breakfast food all round-the-clock and became an integral part of the Spartanburg story.
