For more than 14 years, The Shoppes at River’s Edge has been a place of discovery. When we first opened in 2010, our goal was simple: create a marketplace where local vendors could share their passions, and where neighbors could always find something unique.
Over the years, that vision has grown into more than 35 vendors offering everything from furniture and antiques to home décor, fashion, and gifts. Our aisles are filled with creativity, personality, and the kind of treasures you can’t find in a big-box store.
And now, we’re excited to introduce something brand new to Rock Hill and the greater York County community: Specialty Foods.
Why Specialty Foods, and Why Now?
The inspiration came from a favorite stop in Atlanta called Lucy’s Market - a beautiful shop where you can browse fresh flowers, pick up gourmet snacks, and leave with a ready-made meal that feels both indulgent and thoughtful.
That idea sparked something for us: Rock Hill deserves this too.
Life is busy, and sometimes you just need something quick, delicious, and convenient. Specialty foods make everyday moments easier and more meaningful:
- A friend drops off a warm casserole for a new mom who hasn’t had time to cook.
- A neighbor brings over fresh bread and a jar of pepper jelly when someone’s under the weather.
- You remember at the last minute that you promised to bring an appetizer to the neighborhood get-together.
- A family of four needs dinner on the table after a long day of work, school, and sports.
Until now, York County hasn’t had a place where you could walk in, grab a truly delicious pre-made meal or gourmet gift, and walk out ready to brighten someone’s day. That’s the gap we want to fill - not just with food, but with convenience, quality, and heart.
The Shoppes Journey: Building on a Strong Foundation
Before we dive deeper into the flavors, let’s talk about where we are today.
The Shoppes at River’s Edge is more than a retail space - it’s a community of over 35 vendors. Each booth reflects someone’s passion, whether it’s refinished furniture, carefully curated antiques, stylish fashion finds, or one-of-a-kind gifts.
What has always made The Shoppes special is the experience. You don’t just shop here - you discover. You connect with vendors. You stumble upon something you didn’t even know you needed, but now can’t live without.
Adding Specialty Foods is our way of extending that same sense of discovery. Just as you might find a handmade gift or vintage chair, now you can find a pimento cheese spread or a pan of enchiladas that taste like home.
It’s not a replacement of who we are - it’s a layer that makes the whole experience richer.
Vendor Spotlight: SplenDishes by Chef Shonali
Every great movement starts with a pioneer, and our new Specialty Foods category is no exception. We’re thrilled to introduce our very first food vendor, already a Rock Hill favorite: Chef Shonali at SplenDishes.
If you’ve ever tasted her cooking, you know it’s something special. Shonali’s weekly Mercado Menu is full of comfort food classics with a gourmet twist. One week, you might find:
- OG Chicken Salad - creamy, savory, and the kind of recipe that instantly feels familiar yet elevated.
- Cheesy Meatball & Pasta Casserole - hearty, bubbling, and packed with flavor that feeds the whole family.
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole - layers of tortillas, tender chicken, and just the right amount of spice.
- Bacon Ranch Cheddar Chicken - smoky, cheesy, and the perfect weeknight indulgence.
- Focaccia Bread - soft, aromatic, and baked with love, ideal for dipping or sharing.
Her rotating menu makes every week a surprise - and a treat. Imagine opening a casserole dish filled with cheesy pasta, the aroma of roasted garlic filling the air, or cutting into banana bread that’s still warm, the scent of cinnamon and ripe bananas lingering in the kitchen.
But it’s not just the weekly menu that draws people in. SplenDishes also stocks a line of staples that have become pantry must-haves for locals:
- House Blend Seasoning – an all-purpose flavor boost.
- Pepper Jelly – sweet heat that pairs perfectly with crackers or over cream cheese.
- Vodka Sauce – rich, creamy, and restaurant-quality.
- Bacon Butter – exactly as indulgent as it sounds.
- Pimento Cheese – a Southern classic, creamy with just the right sharpness.
The magic of SplenDishes is how it blends convenience with quality. These aren’t generic pre-packaged meals; they’re homemade, crafted with love, and designed to make life a little easier - and tastier.
Now, thanks to our partnership, you don’t have to drive across town to find them. They’re right here at The Shoppes.
Looking Ahead: Building a Specialty Market for Rock Hill
SplenDishes is just the beginning. Our vision is to grow this new vertical into a specialty food destination for Rock Hill and beyond.
What can you expect in the future?
- Specialty Wines – perfect for pairing with a meal or giving as a thoughtful host gift.
- Locally Roasted Coffees – for mornings that deserve something better than ordinary.
- Desserts & Baked Goods – from cookies to cakes to artisan pastries.
- Savory Snacks & Chips – ideal for entertaining or everyday cravings.
- Pastas & Sauces – shelf-stable essentials elevated with gourmet flair.
- Cooking Kits – fun, ready-to-go meal experiences the whole family can enjoy.
- More Pre-Made Meals to Go – expanding the variety and convenience week after week.
Imagine this: you stop by The Shoppes on a Saturday afternoon. You browse the aisles for a new piece of décor, pick up a birthday gift, then wander into the Specialty Foods section. There, you grab a bottle of red wine, a loaf of fresh bread, a container of spinach dip, and a casserole for dinner. With one visit, your home feels warmer, your evening feels easier, and you leave with that special Shoppes sense of discovery.
This is the future we’re building - and it’s going to taste incredible.
Why This Matters to the Community
Specialty Foods isn’t just about food. It’s about impact.
Every new vertical we add brings more people through our doors, and more people means more opportunities for all of our vendors. When someone comes in for a casserole, they might leave with a new lamp, a fall sweater, or a handmade gift.
It’s also about creating something York County hasn’t truly had before. While you can find specialty markets in Charlotte or Columbia, there hasn’t been a destination locally that people rave about. We want to be that place.
Convenience matters. Quality matters. And community matters most of all. By investing in this new category, we’re investing in Rock Hill - giving our neighbors more reasons to shop local, support small businesses, and enjoy life’s little luxuries without driving far.
A Vision for Growth
As we grow, our Specialty Foods section will continue to evolve. We see it becoming a cornerstone of The Shoppes - a place where food and lifestyle blend seamlessly.
- For the hostess who forgot about the party until the last minute, we’ll be the lifesaver.
- For the family who just wants a night off from cooking, we’ll be the answer.
- For the thoughtful friend who wants to drop off something comforting, we’ll make it easy.
Our promise is simple: to keep building, keep innovating, and keep giving our community more to love.
An Invitation to Discover
This is only the beginning, and we want you to be part of it. Come explore our new Specialty Foods section, try SplenDishes for yourself, and let us know what you’d love to see next.
The Shoppes at River’s Edge has always been about community, connection, and discovery. With the addition of Specialty Foods, we’re adding flavor, convenience, and joy to that mission.
From gifts to gourmet, antiques to appetizers - we’re here to make everyday life more meaningful, flavorful, and convenient.
So the next time you’re in Rock Hill, stop by. Bring a friend. Pick up something delicious. And help us write the next chapter in The Shoppes story.