growing up, downtown was starting to decline,” he says. “But we’ve turned that around, and now I’ve never been more excited about Conway than I am today.” This careful balance between growth and preservation is a key part of Conway’s strategy for the future. Blain says, “We want to honor our past while building a city our children will want to return to. Everything we do is with that in mind.” BUSINESS GROWTH AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION Conway’s rapid population growth is paralleled by an expanding business sector that reflects the city’s commitment to fostering economic development. “We’re not having to call businesses to come here anymore; they’re calling us,” Hyman says, illustrating the city’s appeal to new ventures. One standout success story is Hoppin’ Witch, a restaurant that opened in downtown Conway and has quickly become a beloved local hotspot. “It’s one of those happy accidents,” Hyman says. “They embraced the quirky Halloween theme that Conway is famous for, which has taken off.” Hop N Which has become a significant draw for locals and visitors with its unique branding and community-focused vibe. “They’ve engaged with our events, especially Halloween, and that’s helped their business grow while adding to the city’s festive atmosphere,” she adds. The growth of businesses like Hop N Wich reflects Conway’s broader strategy of creating a fun and engaging environment that encourages investment and entrepreneurship.“Years ago, cities would offer cash incentives to lure businesses,” Anderson says. “Now, we focus on making Conway a fun place to live and work. When people see that, they want to invest here. It’s not about throwing money at them—it’s about creating a place they want to be part of.” In addition to restaurants, Conway has seen an uptick in retail and service businesses opening in the downtown area. The city’s investment in 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 CONWAY, SC
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