Trish Ballentine has a plan for Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events, the former Runway Cafe spot next to Greenville Downtown Airport. Ballentine and director of operations Lauren Good said the idea is to capitalize on Greenville and its aviation community, which they view as an untapped resource.
The restaurant will fit cozily into the developing Airport District which will soon see a variety of businesses including cafes, dog parks and soon-to-come wheelsports park Wheels Up.
“[Hangar 28] is my last one. I mean I’m going out,” Ballentine said. As a result, the restaurant will be a zenith of her career, the culmination of what she has learned over the years since her Corporate Deli and Tipsy Taco days.
The airport will be a final frontier for her to conquer. More importantly, it’s her way to give back to the community that has given so much to her.
Ballentine wants Hangar 28 to be an intersection of its prospective communities – a spot travelers can readily access for lunch or business meetings and a place where parents can bring their kids that includes a safe, gated area at the nearby playground.
The hangar has a large door that opens out for a safe view of the runway. They hope to extend the footprint some by adding tables and chair just outside.
The business will be a traditional restaurant with an event space component in the connected hangar. As it stands, Ballentine and Good – who specializes in venues and events – foresee happenings like baby showers, a artisan market and watch parties to bring people together.
The scratch kitchen will feature some of Ballentine’s greatest hits like deli sandwiches and parmesan crusted pita melts. It will have weekly food and cocktail specials with house-made mixers. Ballentine said the vibe will be similar to her Corporate Deli days with items like fresh roast beef, turkey and ham, but it will be eclectic. Guests can also expect dishes like carpaccio or an Asian plate with crispy rice and sashimi.
Hangar 28’s perspective opening is end of June or early July. The interior is a surprise for now but you can expect it to be inviting.
Although the name sounds like it may lend itself to the hangar’s number it’s actually an ode to Ballentine’s mother and Good’s grandmother, who were both born in 1928. The downtown airport will also celebrate its centennial in 2028.
