What began in the 1940s as the Ellison Flour Mill has been reimagined as The Mill at Fountain Inn. A gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors.
From the 1940s through the 1970s, the Ellison Flour Mill played a key role in supporting agriculture and bakeries in the Upstate.
After years of vacancy, the mill was restored and reimagined as a brewery, food hall, and gathering place for the community
Now celebrated as an award-winning hub, The Mill at Fountain Inn brings people together over food, drink, and community spirit.
Built between 1940 and 1941 by F.G. Ellison of Cheddar, South Carolina, the Ellison Flour Mill became Fountain Inn’s only flour mill and an essential part of the town’s economy. At a time when textiles defined much of the Upstate, the mill brought diversity to local industry by grinding grain and supplying farms and bakeries across Greenville, Laurens, and surrounding counties. Operating well into the 1970s, it served as both an industrial anchor and a lifeline for the region’s agricultural community.
The mill property is composed of three tin-clad wood structures: the three-story Roller Mill, the Flour Warehouse, and the Wall Street Warehouse. With their mix of utilitarian design and sturdy construction, these buildings reflect the practical ingenuity of early 20th-century industry. In October 2022, the Ellison Flour Mill was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural character and role in Fountain Inn’s industrial heritage.
In 2021, Innovative Hospitality & Development (IHD), led by Bryan Beal, acquired the 15,000-square-foot property to preserve its history while creating new community spaces. Renovations completed in 2024 introduced Fountain Inn Brewing Co., a 5,000-square-foot brewery with 16 taps, pizza kitchen, and upstairs event space; a large green space with one of the Upstate’s biggest outdoor screens; a flexible indoor common area; and a 6,000-square-foot food hall now home to 7 delicious food vendors.
In 2025, The Mill at Fountain Inn received a Preservation Honor Award from the South Carolina Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing its sensitive rehabilitation and meaningful contribution to downtown revitalization. Today, the mill stands as a model of preservation-based redevelopment—a place where history, food, drink, and community come together under one roof.
Got an awesome single friend? Pitch them to the crowd in 3–5 minutes. Single yourself? Come mingle, meet people and see what happens. Free for everyone, no pitch required to join the fun!
*First 12 registered pitchers receive a $10 promotional gift card valid for any purchases at The Mill. One per person. No cash value. Must be 21+ with valid ID to purchase alcoholic beverages. Additional restrictions may apply.
