Shop Around: Rise Bake Shop opens Rise at the Mills Cafe

Less than a year after opening on Harden Street in Five Points, Rise Gourmet Goods and Bake Shop has expanded its footprint in the Capital City.

This week, Rise chef and founder Sarah Simmons and partner Charley Scruggs opened Rise at The Mills Cafe in the main lobby of the Olympia Mill apartment complex, which caters mainly to University of South Carolina students.

Simmons, a Spring Valley High School graduate and award-winning chef and owner of New York City restaurants City Grit and Birds & Bubbles, said she and Scruggs were “thrilled” to partner with the Olympia Mill’s PMC Property group because the company creates “living communities while preserving historic buildings, which I think draws a nice parallel to our commitment to sustainability in the ingredients we use in the food we serve.”

In addition to serving favorites from the Rise menu’s Five Points location, Rise at The Mills Cafe will offer a selection of smoothies and shakes, as well as a full coffee service including lattes and cappuccinos.

Students will be able to take advantage of the same 10-10-10 loyalty program (for every 10 visits with a $10 spend, guests will receive $10 off their next order) offered at the Five Points location. They also will have the opportunity to earn free snacks and drinks, as well as other discounts through weekly contests.

“Over the summer, we will continue to add new items” at the cafe, Simmons said. They plan to test new menu items there. “We’re excited about the opportunity to serve the student community and look forward to expanding our offering throughout the summer and into the fall.”