New Italian-inspired restaurant, market to open in historic Greenville mill

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A restaurant and retail market emphasizing live-fire cooking on its menu items will open a location in Greenville’s historic Judson Mill District.

Mill City Pizza will have a chef-driven menu featuring a range of pizzas, paninis, fresh mozzarella made daily, homemade desserts and a selection of beer, wine and wine-based cocktails. In addition to its dining experience, Mill City Pizza’s retail market will offer a range of high-quality wines, olive oils, flours, cheeses, and locally sourced produce from its farm along with ingredients from Italy that the restaurant uses in its cooking, according to a news release.

John Shepherd, an entrepreneur and chef with multiple food-driven businesses, and Jason Donnelly, a chef and founder of The American Cheese Co., created the restaurant and retail market after visiting Italy in September, the release said.

“We recognized the need for an establishment that aligns seamlessly with the energy and variety of the Judson Mill District,” Donnelly said in the release. “Our goal is to meet this opportunity head-on by providing a fun and enticing menu that caters to various tastes, along with a commitment to welcoming hospitality.”

Shepherd said they are excited to provide a high-quality, affordable dining experience and be part of the community-centric atmosphere that Judson Mill embodies, the release said.

Related article: Event venue, outdoor space opens at Judson Mill in Greenville

“We’re thrilled to open our doors in the Judson Mill District,” Shepherd said in the release. “Nestled within the heart of the dynamic Judson Mill District, our live-fire restaurant intends to be a culinary cornerstone of this thriving hub of entertainment and activity.”

The 5,000-square-foot restaurant is located in the Annex building on the west side of the Judson Mill District. Mill City Pizza joins a variety of tenants in the community, including offices, restaurants, retail, entertainment and residential units.

“John and Jason have a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional food, service and ambience,” Ken Reiter, co-developer of Judson Mill District and president of Belmont Sayre, said in the release. “Their live-fire concept is sure to be a favored destination in Greenville that complements and enriches all of our offerings at Judson Mill.”

Avison Young Vice Presidents Rakan Draz and James McKay, along with associate Macy Scoggins, represented Judson Mill as exclusive listing agents for the property, but also worked closely with Mill City Pizza to complete the deal, according to the release.

“This key space will activate the Annex and courtyard at Judson Mill, so we knew it needed to be a restaurant and it needed to be special,” Draz said in the release. “After talking with John and Jason for the first time, I knew their vision and concept was exactly what we were looking for, not only for Judson Mill, but for Greenville’s food scene.”