New life to old spaces. That’s Greenville’s construction growth philosophy of “adaptive reuse spaces.” Rather than demolishing the old to make room for the new, businesses moving to Greenville are finding existing buildings to refurbish and remodel. One stunning example is New Realm Brewing Company. This Atlanta based firm has breathed new air into the Old Cigar Factory located on South Main Street.

A Little History
Built in the early 1900s, this four story brick building was once home to the second largest industry in Greenville. In a time when Greenville was the Textile Center of the World, city leaders saw a need for other commercial enterprises. A committee was formed to attract businesses to Greenville. In 1902, the committee built the Old Cigar Factory and offered two years free rent to a cigar manufacturer. Greenville’s factory employed only females. The 1903 opening coincided with South Carolina’s first child labor law. In the beginning, no child under the age of ten could be employed in a factory, mine, or mill. Two years later, the age was up to twelve. It’s not known the ages of the girls who worked in the cigar factory, but many believe most were between the ages of ten and sixteen. Women and children worked from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., turning out 60,000 cigars a day. Humidors made in Charleston were used to ship Lady Churchill cigars made in Greenville. Cigars aren’t being rolled in the Old Cigar Factory on South Main anymore. The historic character of the old brick building was preserved when New Realm Brewing Company opened the brewery/restaurant and beer garden. Outdoor dining and an event space are also a part of New Realm Brewing Company’s extraordinary contribution to Greenville’s growing downtown.
Grand Opening

Mayor Knox White and Greenville Drive Owner, Craig Brown, led the line-up of festivities. You may be wondering what New Realm has to do with baseball. I wondered the same thing. Turns out, New Realm’s Rallyville Lager is the official beer of our Greenville Drive!


The Mayor was not the only dignitary on the field of the Grand Opening. Reedy Rip’It didn’t want to miss the inaugural tap of the keg! On the roster Opening Day: delicious food and beverage with a side of sunny skies! We loved everything about our experience. My personal favorite was the lawn seating. A park in the middle of the city with picnic tables shaded by colorful umbrellas.


The menu is filled with all your favorite down-home American dishes. We 10/10 recommend the Fish & Chips with Cole Slaw, (very crispy) fries, and a side Caesar salad! Join us in welcoming this new kid to the block. New Realm Brewing Company is one you’re gonna want to try sooner rather than later.