The presentation, held on Friday, April 24, honored the restaurant who has served the Travelers Rest community since 1945.

Travelers Rest, SC (May 1, 2026) – Transworld Business Advisors of the Western Carolinas (Transworld) has honored Whistle Stop at the American Café (109 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690) with its Iconic Business Award, recognizing the restaurant’s longstanding success and enduring impact on the local community. Presented by Transworld offices nationwide, the award celebrates established businesses that have become cornerstones of their communities through sustained achievement, reputation and legacy.

This event is part of Transworld’s ongoing efforts to recognize long-standing businesses, and community institutions. The Iconic Business Awards began in December 2026 with the first award given to the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.

Transworld is the world’s largest business brokerage and franchise network, empowering entrepreneurs to buy, sell and grow their businesses through expert advisory services. With more than 250 offices across the United States and in over 20 countries, Transworld has trusted agents around the globe ready to help business buyers and sellers reach their goals.

“Whistle Stop at the American Café is a cornerstone of Travelers Rest and is exactly the kind of business we created the Iconic Business Award to honor — a company with deep roots, lasting success, and a real impact on its community,” said JT Tatem, President, Transworld.

The Whistle Stop at the American Café has been a family-owned cafe since 1945, when it was purchased by Troy Styles, Sr. The building has served as a Travelers Rest landmark since it was first built on Main Street in Travelers Rest in 1932. Located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the American Café (as it was then known) was a ‘whistle stop’, a place the conductor would stop when signaled. Expanded and renovated in 2013, the Whistle Stop features the cafe’s vintage bar stools, handmade chestnut counter, exposed beam ceiling and brick walls.

Transworld takes pride in being deeply rooted in the community they serve. As a small business, they understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing local entrepreneurs and are dedicated to helping them succeed. From business brokerage to mergers and acquisitions, Transworld represents a wide range of listings across multiple industries, empowering business owners to achieve their goals.

For additional details about Transworld, please visit https://www.tworld.com/locations/south-carolina/westerncarolinas.

Photos courtesy of Transworld Business Advisors can be accessed via Dropbox.

Photo IDs:

P1. Benjamin Fowler (Agent, Transworld), Lacey Crooks (Director of Operations, Transworld), Vickie Styles (Owner, Whistle Stop at the American Cafe), JT Tatem (President, Transworld), and Eli Tatem (Agent, Transworld)

P2. JT Tatem (President, Transworld) and Vickie Styles (Owner, Whistle Stop at the American Café)

P3. Vickie Styles (Owner, Whistle Stop at the American Café)

P4. Inside of the Whistle Stop at the American Café)

About Transworld Business Advisors

Transworld Business Advisors® (Transworld) is among the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) family of affiliated brands. With over 40 years of business brokerage experience, Transworld Business Advisors is in the business of helping buyers and sellers connect, conducting franchise consultations, and supporting franchise development. The company represents acquisition-minded corporations or individuals interested in owning their own company or franchise. From business brokerages to mergers and acquisitions, Transworld Business Advisors are business sales specialists that represent numerous listings across multiple industries. For more information about Transworld Business Advisors of the Western Carolinas, please visit https://www.tworld.com/locations/south-carolina/westerncarolinas and for information on owning a Transworld franchise, visit www.tworldfranchise.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS: KIP HUNTER MARKETING

Austin Lee | austin@kiphuntermarketing.com | 239-243-3079

Nicole Lewis | nicole@kiphuntermarketing.com | 305-803-9177

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