Friendlee , along with Joe Anselmo , operated the winery during the spring of 2008 , billing itself as “ Greenville ’ s First Winery .” The Blue Armadillo ’ s origins began in the fall of 2007 , when Friendlee and his family took over the 100-yearold building at 2702 Lee Street and revamped the historic structure .
Friendlee met Anselmo of Carmela Winery in March of 2008 and began the partnership . The Blue Armadillo Winery was one of five downtown Greenville businesses to officially open on May 31 , 2008 , during the “ My Downtown is Back ” celebration .
The business was known not only for its premium vintage but for the camaraderie of the fans who would gather on the winery ’ s porch at night , swapping tall tales and smoking cigars under the ceiling fan . The winery closed in 2013 after Anselmo took the license with him to Celina . “ Helping to build and run a business in downtown Greenville that brought so many people together has been my biggest reward ,” Friendlee . “ The online sensation of communicating with friends and business associates made it all worth while .”
While it was open , Friendlee and Anselmo concocted one of the better publicity fundraising stunts over the 2011 Memorial Day weekend . Friendlee and Anselmo agreed to walk “ Bear Naked ” to help raise funds for the Frank Barchard Memorial Animal Shelter . Patrons could purchase votes on whether the pair should or should not do the whole Lady Godiva . The upshot , of course , was that “ Bear ” was a dog . An event that was less well regarded was the 2012 Greenville Halloween Weekend Ghost Tour and séance .
But Friendlee said one annual celebration tops them all .
“ Of all the the crazy events that I have been involved in , I wanna say the one that is especially meaningful would be Bras For The Cause ,” he said . “ This one touches me the most . It has given my the opportunity to
WINTER 2022 Greenville Life 17