Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events to open at Greenville airport

The former Runway Cafe at Greenville Downtown Airport is set to become Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events this summer, bringing a scratch-made restaurant, full-service bar and 3,500-square-foot event venue to one of the Upstate’s busiest aviation hubs.

Airport officials say the project will enhance amenities for pilots and travelers while further strengthening the airport’s growing role as a community gathering place and economic driver.

Owner and chef Trish Ballentine, a 30-year veteran of the area’s hospitality industry, said the goal is to create a destination that serves both airport visitors and the broader community.

“We want families to feel welcome, businesses to feel supported and visitors to feel connected to Greenville’s vibrant and growing food scene,” Ballentine said.

What guests can expect

The concept combines scratch-made dining, a full-service bar, catering services and a large event space overlooking the airport’s active runways.

Unlike the former restaurant’s grab-and-go model, Hangar 28 will operate as a full-service restaurant with host seating. Ballentine expects to hire two bartenders, five to seven servers and a full kitchen staff.

For Ballentine, the venture represents a return to her roots. Before launching concepts such as Dish Out and the Tipsy Taco, she owned and operated Corporate Deli from 1996 to 2008.

According to Lauren Good, director of operations and hospitality, the menu will feature high-end deli sandwiches, house-made sauces, tapas-style plates for the afternoon and evenings and weekend breakfast service.

“Her base menu will also include something she was known for — chicken parm pita melts — along with pizzas, salads, rotating weekly bar-food specials and desserts,” said Good. The new restaurant also will feature a children’s menu.

And flights won’t be reserved for aviators. Guests can pull up a seat at the 16-seat bar and enjoy margarita and spritzer flights, along with wines by the bottle or glass, draft and bottled beer and a selection of cocktails designed to complement the menu.

“We’re excited to be along the Swamp Rabbit trail and will be providing bike racks for cyclists,” said Good.

Event space

The newly remodeled and climate-controlled event space located in a hangar is connected by a door to the restaurant and will accommodate approximately 150-200 guests.

A newly installed 16-foot glass hangar door provides an unobstructed view of the active runways. Ballentine also plans to offer private charter catering services for guests arriving at and departing from the Greenville Downtown Airport.

The unique space can be used to host weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, private parties and other gatherings.

Why now

As Greenville’s restaurant scene grows and the Swamp Rabbit Trail becomes more popular, Ballentine believes the timing is right for a destination that bridges aviation, dining and community engagement.

“We’re located on the south ramp near a privately funded park and next door to us will be a skate park — a big initiative by the city that is expected to be completed in 2028,” said Good.

“The restaurant has always been one of the most visible and beloved parts of our Community Corridor,” said James Stephens, airport director. “Hangar 28 represents exactly the kind of elevated family-friendly destinations we were seeking. It strengthens our role as both the economic gateway to Greenville and a place where our community can gather, dine and experience aviation up close.”

Good said several upcoming developments make the project especially timely.

“I think with the airport district growing, the skatepark on the horizon and the airport’s centennial coming in 2028, it’s exciting to be on the front end of all that momentum,” she said.