Spartanburg, SC: 8 Businesses Young Professionals Need to Know About
Spartanburg, SC, is full of places that make everyday life a little brighter, whether you’re searching for the perfect latte, a business that crafts locally made treats or a cozy spot to catch up with friends. For early-career individuals looking to plug into the community, the city’s blend of creativity and comfort makes it easy to feel at home. Here are eight businesses in Spartanburg, SC, that early-career individuals need to have on their radar.
In This Article
1. Dottie’s Toffee
When you need a little sweetness in your day, Dottie’s Toffee, which is made in Spartanburg, delivers. Handmade using simple, high-quality ingredients, like butter, pure cane sugar and Belgian milk chocolate, Dottie’s treats make perfect gifts or small indulgences. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a dinner party or keeping a few pieces at your desk, Dottie’s adds a touch of local craftsmanship to every bite.
2. Blue Moon Bodega
Part café, part neighborhood market, Blue Moon Bodega in downtown Spartanburg is where locals go for good food, good drinks and good company. The shop carries local ingredients and artisan products, while the kitchen turns out fresh sandwiches, salads and small plates that make even a weekday lunch feel like a treat.
Blue Moon Bodega is a regular hangout for Alexis Hunter, a resident of Spartanburg since 2018.
“I’ve had the chance to enjoy food with friends at Blue Moon Bodega, and I love the atmosphere. It’s super cozy, and they serve delicious food,” says Hunter, a care coordinator with Warriors Once Again, a nonprofit that works with veterans. “They create a sense of community and connection, making each visit feel personal, inviting and memorable.”
3. Little River Roasting Co.
A staple in Spartanburg, SC, Little River Roasting Co. has built a loyal following for its locally roasted coffee beans and welcoming ambiance. Its cafés – three in total, plus a drive-thru location – are the kind of places early-career professionals want to go to start their mornings – chatting with friends, catching up on emails or simply taking a moment to recharge.
Marilyn Nguyen, the City of Spartanburg’s strategic partnerships and opportunities manager and an area resident since 2020, calls Little River her favorite “third space,” aka a space that isn’t her home or workplace.
“Little River Roasting Co. is warm and comforting,” she says. “It’s designed with intentionality. I feel like I’m not just in a chain store, but rather a place that has a sense of community.”
Hunter agrees: “Little River has the friendliest staff and is a great place to go for a morning coffee and to enjoy downtown Spartanburg.”
4. Bond Street Wines
For those looking to experience Spartanburg’s vibrant food and drink scene, a stop at Bond Street Wines is a must. This welcoming wine shop curates an exquisite selection of wines from France, Italy, Spain and beyond, providing seasoned connoisseurs and casual sippers with fabulous drinks. It’s the perfect place to grab a bottle to take home or gather with friends.
5. Sparkle City Snaps
Creativity shines through the bold, colorful work found at Sparkle City Snaps, led by local resident Nick Trainor. Known for its pop-art images of iconic landmarks and community scenes, Sparkle City Snaps celebrates the personality and color that make Spartanburg special. Whether you’re decorating a new apartment or refreshing your workspace, these vivid images bring energy and a sense of place to any wall – a perfect reminder of what makes Spartanburg sparkle. Sparkle City Snaps’ coasters, posters and more can be found inside Market on Main, a popular boutique that sells locally made products and curated clothing.
6. Bridgewater Candle Co.
Few things create a sense of calm like a good candle, and Bridgewater Candle Co. knows how to make a space feel instantly welcoming. The Spartanburg, SC, business produces candles, room sprays, laundry detergent and surface cleaners, all with signature fragrances that are crafted locally. Each purchase also supports Bridgewater’s Light a Candle, Feed a Child program, which helps provide meals for children in need around the world.
Bridgewater Candle products are one of many found at Two Doors Down, a boutique with a downtown Spartanburg location that specializes in curated items.
7. Caroline’s Cakes
Caroline’s Cakes, also based in Spartanburg, has earned a devoted following for its beautifully layered desserts, especially its signature seven-layer caramel cake. Perfect for birthdays, office celebrations or weekend gatherings, Caroline’s makes it easy to add a touch of sweetness to life’s milestones – big or small. For those new to the city, having a bakery of this caliber nearby is just one more reason Spartanburg is such a special place to live.
8. Cara Bella Boutique
Cara Bella, with two locations statewide, sells Spartanburg-centric gifts along with home décor, women’s clothing and accessories, plentiful gift options and more. Its Spartanburg location is on Magnolia Street near a growing hub of activity downtown.
This article is sponsored by OneSpartanburg Inc.