Florence, October 12, 2025
El Venue of Florence
El Venue of Florence is an upcoming versatile events center located at 157 W. Evans St. in downtown Florence. The business is currently undergoing extensive renovations to transform the space into a premier venue suitable for weddings, receptions, and corporate conferences. The facility features a spacious layout, warming kitchen, and lobby amenities designed to cater to a variety of events. Anticipated to commence operations by May or June of 2024, El Venue aims to become a central hub for community gatherings and celebrations. Its development is part of Florence’s broader efforts to revitalize the downtown area and enhance its cultural scene, supported by local investments and city initiatives.
News Summary
Florence has welcomed eleven new businesses to downtown, highlighting a positive economic trend. Notable openings include Funky Flow Fitness and Jiu Jitsu, and Shipping with E’s. El Venue of Florence is set to become a versatile events center. With ongoing renovations and a low vacancy rate, the local economy shows vibrant growth, promising job creation and support for new enterprises.
Florence welcomed eleven new businesses in September, according to a recent report from Mayor Andy Betterton’s office. The openings consist of eight new establishments that have launched downtown in 2024, along with one significant expansion. This influx of businesses indicates a thriving local economy and a positive trend towards revitalization in the area.
The new business landscape features diverse offerings. Funky Flow Fitness and Jiu Jitsu opened its doors at 167 N. Dargan St. earlier this year, providing a venue for fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, Shipping with E’s commenced operations at 150-C N. Dargan St. on January 6, offering a variety of services including office supplies, quick printing, laminating, notary services, and shipping needs.
Another key addition to the downtown scene is El Venue of Florence, which is currently undergoing renovations at 157 W. Evans St. This versatile events center, anticipated to start operations by May or June, will cater to weddings, receptions, and corporate conferences with its spacious layout, warming kitchen, and lobby amenities. Furthermore, plans are underway for a new jewelry store to be established on the first floor of a building on N. Dargan Street, with housing units planned for the second floor.
Renovations are also set to transform 164 to 166 N. Dargan St. into three additional storefronts, while Bojangles at 130 S. Irby St. has received all necessary permits and is pushing ahead with renovations aimed for late spring opening. First of the Month Eatery and Bar at 170 W. Evans St. is advancing through its own renovation process, having secured the necessary permits.
In addition, developments are being made for a jewelry store and leasing of two upstairs housing units at 175 N. Dargan St., pending ongoing building repairs. The booming business atmosphere comes with a vacancy rate of just 6 percent in the historic district, a figure that is notably low for the area.
The positive momentum is not limited to September alone. The ongoing renovations of the historic Carolina Theater’s phase 1 have been completed, with phase 2 projected to begin in 2025, bolstered by a $2 million state grant aiming to further enhance the cultural landscape of Florence.
Several other new businesses such as Jack’s Books and Smiling Scoops have also taken root in downtown Florence recently. With new initiatives underway, including fresh concepts like an ice cream shop and another restaurant, the local business community anticipates the creation of over 20 new jobs.
With the city officials’ commitment to support the growth of new enterprises—including a pledge of $250,000 in private investments and up to $30,000 in redevelopment grants for permanent interior improvements—Florence is actively fostering an environment for entrepreneurs. The community is equipped with a strong, supportive customer base, making downtown an attractive location for new ventures.
Summary of New Businesses in Downtown Florence
| Business Name | Address | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funky Flow Fitness and Jiu Jitsu | 167 N. Dargan St. | Fitness | Opened February 2024 |
| Shipping with E’s | 150-C N. Dargan St. | Office Supplies | Opened January 6, 2024 |
| El Venue of Florence | 157 W. Evans St. | Events Center | Renovations Ongoing, Opening May/June |
| Bojangles | 130 S. Irby St. | Restaurant | Renovations in Progress |
| First of the Month Eatery and Bar | 170 W. Evans St. | Restaurant | Renovations in Progress |
FAQ
How many businesses opened in downtown Florence in September?
Eleven businesses opened in downtown Florence during September 2024.
What types of businesses were opened?
The openings included a fitness center, an office supplies shop, an events center, restaurants, and a jewelry store, among others.
What is the current vacancy rate in the historic district of Florence?
The city of Florence has a 6 percent vacancy rate in the historic district, which is considered low.
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Additional Resources
- Times Daily: Florence Adds 11 Businesses
- Wikipedia: Florence, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Historic Downtown Florence New Businesses
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina businesses
- Link NKY: Crumbl Cookies Florence Opening Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence, South Carolina
- WMBF News: Buc-ee’s Increase Traffic in Florence
- Google News: Florence New Businesses
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
