If you’re walking down Main Street from the West End, you may have noticed a small but pretty little cottage next to Falls Park on the Reedy.
The formerly vacant Falls Cottage has been renovated, and Passerelle Bistro owner Michael Minelli reopened it as Stone Cottage July 11. The cafe is primarily grab-and-go, with the menu created by Michael’s wife, chef Jenifer Minelli. The two have owned Passerelle Bistro, located near the west end of Liberty Bridge, since Michael purchased the business from Table 301 in 2021.
The cottage at 615 S. Main St. was first built in 1894 as home to Camperdown Mill superintendent W.E. Touchstone when the mill was still open. It has seen many uses over the years.
“We’ve worked hard to preserve the character and history of this incredible building while creating a space where families can grab lunch before a picnic in Falls Park, friends can meet over coffee, and people can celebrate life’s special moments together. It’s an honor to help write the next chapter of this Greenville landmark,” Michael said in a written statement.
The Minellis partnered with Mavin Construction, Keystone Design and Amy Emery Interior Design to renovate the cottage.
Stone Cottage offers breakfast burritos, hot and cold sandwiches, soups and salads. One option, Ms. Becky’s chicken salad croissant, pays homage to Jenifer’s days as owner of Wild Lilly in Alabama. The recipe is from Ms. Becky, who Jenifer worked with, and was once on the menu at Wild Lilly.
We dropped into Stone Cottage July 15 around noon to check out the spot during peak operating hours. There was a line nearly out the door, with visitors eager to grab their sandwiches or soups for lunch.
The future looks bright for the little bungalow. Stone Cottage is open all week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
