Matt Jennings, the owner of Cherokee Valley, dreamt of creating Core 450 even before acquiring the course and club in 2017. As a seasoned entrepreneur and golf operator, he had seen the positive impact a casual dining venue can have on a community. After relocating to Greenville, he wanted to build a place that would bring together people from diverse backgrounds and foster a sense of community. Shortly after purchasing Cherokee Valley, Jennings started working towards his next aim: to create an innovative, full-service restaurant unlike anything else in Upstate South Carolina. The concept of Core 450 was born from his love for cooking and entertaining at home, where guests would gather in his open kitchen as he prepared multiple courses (accompanied by a few drinks). This open and inviting kitchen concept became the foundation and inspiration for Core 450.