Who are we
Everything you want to know
The Velvet Rail was built on a love of craft, community, and the simple joy of good food shared in a meaningful place. Set inside Hartsville’s historic passenger depot, our café blends old‑world charm with fresh, hand‑made flavors — from small‑batch ice cream and scratch‑baked biscuits to curated coffee and globally inspired comfort dishes. Every part of our menu reflects a journey, shaped by travel, tradition, and the stories that connect people across tables and across miles. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lingering over dessert, or discovering a new favorite, The Velvet Rail is a place to slow down, savor, and feel at home.
located inside hartsville’s beloved historic passenger depot
Our Story
We Make every moment special
The Velvet Rail lives inside Hartsville’s historic passenger depot, a building shaped by decades of arrivals, departures, and the stories carried between them. Its long, narrow footprint, original architectural details, and sense of movement through time inspired the heart of our café — a place where heritage and hospitality meet. The depot’s character guides everything we do, from our rail‑themed menu to the way we honor craftsmanship, comfort, and the joy of gathering in a space with history in its bones.
founders
Bill & Tracie Thibodeau bring a spirit of curiosity, craftsmanship, and quiet determination to everything they touch. They see possibility in every place they visit and every dish they taste, and that sense of exploration shapes the heart of their café. Their travels, their love of comfort food with character, and appreciation for the stories behind ingredients all play a role in the menu and atmosphere they have created. Their influence shows up in the bold flavors, the global touches, and the thoughtful details that make The Velvet Rail feel both familiar and full of discovery.
Main Chef
Bill Thibodeau
Bill brings a grounded curiosity and a love for honest, well‑crafted food to The Velvet Rail. His appreciation for global flavors, comfort classics, and the stories behind every dish helps shape the character of our menu and the welcoming spirit of the café.
operations
Tracie Thibodeau
Tracie brings a blend of creativity, precision, and heart to The Velvet Rail. Her eye for detail, love of craft, and deep respect for the depot’s history shape everything from the menu to the atmosphere, giving the café its signature sense of place and personality.