Fretwell is Spartanburg’s New Outdoor Gathering
p/c: Sarah Adcock
Spartanburg has a new community gathering spot on the Mary Black Rail Trail. Fretwell, located just outside of downtown, provides a spacious new outdoor experience and has been hosting a weekend concert series with some of the area’s best musical acts. We sat down with them to learn more about the concept and what’s in store:
Q: What is Fretwell and how did it come to be?
Located right off the Mary Black Rail Trail in downtown Spartanburg, Fretwell is an event and greenspace that offers beer, wine and other snacks/concessions in a soon to be up and coming area of Spartanburg. We host live music/events regularly throughout the week.
Fretwell is the brainchild of Gervais Hollowell, Owner of Little River Roasting Company. In 2020 he and 5 investors began laying down groundwork for what is now Fretwell. We also found out this week that the grounds we are on have their roots from early 1900’s circus grounds.
p/c: Sarah Adcock
Q: We were able to check out the space a few weeks ago and had a great time. The location is easy to find, easy to park and maneuver—and the grounds are spacious and inviting. How did that location come to be and are the more plans in the works beyond the amazing work that’s already been done there?
We picked this location for 2 reasons: 1. It’s centrally located on the Rail Trail and it is directly behind our former roasting facility. So we can have the greenspace, future cafe and our roasting operation all under one roof.
Phase 2 of the project will feature a second building on the grounds with a restaurant or brewery to fit the vibe of our operation. We want to be a culinary hub within Spartanburg.
Q: The live music program at Fretwell has provided a really nice string of concerts with quality acts from the region already since the space was opened. Was hosting live music part of the original vision and plan?
There was a plan for live music, but live music wasn’t the main focus. Grayson saw an opportunity for a space in Spartanburg to offer something different while also appealing to diverse audiences. We want to keep a rotating roster of musicians that are diverse music genres. Showing off the different things the upstate/region have to offer.
Q: How do you see the live music program growing from here? Should we expect a regular schedule of music in the coming months?
Absolutely. We’re booked up to November with something happening most weekends. We’ll still operate during the winter and have things at some capacity.
Q: Beyond music, what kind of events and attractions are on the schedule or are in the works in the coming months for Fretwell?
We have a license for movies with a 20ft screen. We’ve been trying to show Harry and the henderson for a few weeks but mother nature has had other plans sadly.
‘The Spartan’ at Fretwell, providing food and beverage. p/c: Sarah Adcock
Q: Because we write mainly about music here at Forthright—what shows are on the schedule these next few weeks for folks to come and see?
We’re stoked about Brother Oliver and Scotty K on the 26th, Cutlass on September 3rd, Mark Webb September 9th to name a few. Also a few unannounced things that we’re stoked for.
Brother Oliver comes to Fretwell August 26th
