A SC restaurant got a makeover from a Food Network show. Here’s when the episode will air

A Restaurant Impossible episode filmed in a Greenville cafe will air on Food Network Feb 23.

The episode at Runway Cafe at the Greenville Downtown Airport was filmed in October.

On the show, Chef Robert Irvine focuses on rejuvenating failing restaurants, from menu to furnishings to staff development. He doesn’t pull punches.

Runway Cafe was started by Mike Bliss on what was once part of the apron at the municipal airport in 2000. There was much fanfare around the opening, as it was the first attraction of what has become a destination, especially for families and those who just enjoy watching planes.

Since then, a playground, mini golf and museum have opened.

Greenville has the busiest municipal airport in the state.

The cafe has fallen on hard times through the years, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Bliss said he sought help from Restaurant Impossible even before then, about four years ago

Irvine spent two days looking over the business and making changes. The budget is $10,000, the show has said. On the second day, locals are invited in to sample the fare.

Bliss said the menu has been through various iterations, including offering dinner service. At one time, the restaurant had 70 seats inside, 120 outside and a conference room. After COVID, only counter service was offered and hours were shortened.

The interior design has remained largely unchanged with a plethora of air-related items displayed.