A longstanding Greenville restaurant has closed its doors. American Grocery Restaurant closed after service Wednesday evening, according to owner, Joe Clarke and Darlene Mann-Clarke.

The two put out a statement through their spokesperson.

"American Grocery has shared its last service with guests and the restaurant has officially closed," the statement said.

AGR opened in 2007 in the West End area as a passionate supporter of local producers. Owners Joe Clarke and Darlene Mann-Clarke worked with dozens of producers, pioneering the farm-to-table idea before the concept gained traction in Greenville.

Over it's decade-long run, the restaurant gained recognition for creative, innovative and elevated food and service, and for its award-winning beverage program.

Clarke and Mann-Clarke pointed to "rising rents in the city, rising food prices and the staffing challenges that restaurants are feeling nationwide," as impetus for their decision.

Plans call for now focusing their energy "towards the next step in their careers." This includes the growth of Vault & Vator, the speakeasy-inspired craft cocktail bar they opened with Kirk Ingram in April, and development of their underground supper club concept, Renegade Vittles.