Greenville eatery Comal 864’s story began with Brownsville, Texas-native Dayna Lee’s quest to bring South Texas flair to Upstate palates. And as Lee’s brand has grown so have her plans. She announced in June that Comal 864 was shifting from a pop-up operation to a permanent site in the former Woodside Bistro at 1112 Woodside Avenue and now, it’s happened — the restaurant opened Nov. 16.
Lee is from a border town where food packs a punch. Comal 864’s budget-friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner menu reflects that tradition with items like nopales and eggs, huevos rancheros, beef and cheese tacos and picadillo, among other items.
Address: 1112 Woodside Avenue
Hours:
- Monday through Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Breakfast served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
- Thursday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Breakfast served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
“I think that we have a lot to offer the neighborhood,” she told the Upstate Business Journal. “I’m excited to provide affordable, fresh food to a neighborhood that desperately needs the access and lacks the access to fresh food. I’m thankful the community has allowed me to be here and I hope that I can be of service to them.”
But Lee said she’s also on a mission. Comal 864 is in City View, an area where one in four households receive SNAP or other public assistance to buy food. Lee wants to create a community fund to ensure those who need a meal at her restaurant can get one.
“Our clientele have some really, really giving hearts — if they find it in the heart to want to add $1, $2, $3, $4 or $5 to their check — that will go toward funding the food cost of the food that I’m going to give away. High on my list of my priorities as making sure the people of this community are fed.”
She said she’s also thinking about creating a community pantry and library at the eatery.
“That way, our neighbors can help themselves and help each other,” she said.
The restaurant will be serving free plates Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. or until they run out, she said.
