Pacolet Welcomes New Business: EJ’s Place Echoes Fresh Vibes with Tasty Bites
With a warm, welcoming air and a cloudless sky, Pacolet, a charming little town seated in the lap of Spartanburg County, entered a new chapter in its history recently. The riveting tale features a new business with a charming tag – EJ’s Place. This sub and sandwich shop dropped its anchors at West Main Street on October 15th, 2024. Interestingly, this newbie in town claimed its spot right across from the much-revered historical train depot.
New Life Breathed into Historical Building
Ned Camby, the man at the helm of the town as its Mayor, joined the opening day fervor, placing one of the first orders for takeout. The 220 W. Main St. building, now home to EJ’s Place, is a dear piece of Pacolet’s history, having served as Brown’s Store for over a century till 1984. Since then, it had worn many hats, even serving as a church at one time. “The opening of EJ’s Place has given new life to the historic building,” said a visibly thrilled Mayor Camby.
EJ’s Grand Opening
An enthusiastic crowd flocked around EJ’s Place on its opening day, their eager faces belying the anticipation of trying out the fare at this new joint. Right in the heart of Pacolet, the restaurant offers more than just subs and sandwiches, adding salads, coffee and soft-serve desserts to complete its hearty menu. The treat doesn’t end here. Hear it from the man himself – Jeffrey Ruff, the owner of EJ’s Place, intends to include hot toasted subs to the already impressive repertoire. Talk about warm welcomes!
Continual Growth in Spartanburg
Despite being a small town of 2500 residents, Pacolet has gained momentum in shining the spotlight on Spartanburg County on the business map. In the past two years, the vicinity of West Main Street, near the historic depot, has witnessed the dawn of several enterprises. Ranging from Callous Motto Coffee Garage in 2022 to Upstate Family Chiropractic the previous summer, and now with the addition of EJ’s Place, Pacolet certainly looks to be on a roll.
Owner Jeffrey Ruff’s excitement could be sensed as he shared, “We could possibly expand from here“. According to Ruff, Pacolet seemed like the perfect starting point for his business venture, given the town’s potential to attract new businesses.
Fresh Opportunities and Grand Plans
Andrew Lee, from Jonesville in Union County, was among those who gave the newly opened EJ’s Place a try. He saw the potential for this new establishment to become a go-to lunch option in the area.
The town is also working on a comprehensive plan that promises to spruce things up even further. One upcoming project is a sizable 5.7-acre park between Pine and Main streets that’ll pave the way for more development and businesses.
The Councilman-cum-entrepreneur, Thomas Williams, has visions of molding Pacolet into a traditional, walkable downtown. He too made a point to patronize EJ’s Place on its grand opening, choosing a delectable turkey wrap for his lunch.
Pacolet’s economic scene has had its share of ups and downs, yet its enthusiastic residents, passionate entrepreneurs, and their never-say-die spirit promise to script stellar success stories and serve more tasteful journeys, one plate at a time.
Here’s looking at you, Pacolet. You’ve got this!
