Conway, SC, August 11, 2025
Rivertown Bistro
Rivertown Bistro is a renowned restaurant located in the heart of the historic Rivertown district. Established in 1995, it has become a staple for both locals and visitors seeking a warm and inviting dining experience. The bistro prides itself on serving contemporary American cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing freshness and flavor. Over the years, Rivertown Bistro has earned numerous awards for its culinary excellence and sustainable practices. The restaurant’s cozy yet elegant ambiance makes it a perfect venue for gatherings, celebrations, and casual dining. Committed to community engagement, Rivertown Bistro actively supports local producers and charity events, fostering a strong connection with its neighborhood and ensuring a memorable dining experience for all guests.
News Summary
Conway is transforming from a small town with limited dining options to a burgeoning culinary hotspot. With over 20 new restaurants opening in recent years, strategic city investments have fueled this change. The revitalization of the downtown area, along with community events and local support, has positioned Conway as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. The upcoming Coastal Centre redevelopment, set to enhance retail and dining space by 2026, signals continued growth and commitment to Conway’s unique cultural identity.
Conway is experiencing a culinary and cultural renaissance, transforming from a modest “one-restaurant town” into a vibrant dining destination with more than 20 diverse establishments within a small radius. The growth of Conway’s restaurant scene has paralleled the city’s strategic investments in its downtown area over the past decade, positioning it as an emerging cultural hub.
When Rivertown Bistro opened in 1994, calamari was an unusual menu item for the small Southern town, and the culinary options were scarce. The restaurant owner recognized the challenges of operating in a community where dining choices were limited, but this initial struggle paved the way for gradual development. Since that time, Conway has made significant strides, with an increase in dining options and a blossoming local food culture that features unique niches for each restaurant.
Much of this change can be attributed to the city’s efforts to promote its downtown area. In 2016, a significant turning point occurred when The Burroughs Company donated five acres of waterfront land to the city, prompting officials to create a downtown master plan. This master plan aimed not only to bring restaurants but also mixed-use developments that combine retail, residential, and employment areas.
The introduction of business incentives, such as reimbursement for capital recovery fees, played a vital role in attracting new businesses to the area. However, due to high demand, this reimbursement incentive was later removed, indicating the city’s growing confidence in its dining scene and economic health.
Today, Conway stands in stark contrast to neighboring Myrtle Beach, which relies substantially on seasonal tourism. Conway’s restaurant market is buoyed by a strong year-round local clientele, ensuring that businesses can thrive irrespective of tourist influx. Local residents value the growth, which aligns with the town’s character and charm—a quality emphasized by various events that bring the community together, such as Halloween and Christmas festivities.
In terms of local events, the city has invested over $500,000 in Halloween decorations, branding itself as a Halloween destination throughout October. Restaurant owners have reported a significant increase in business during this time due to the seasonal celebration, further supporting the local economy.
Conway is also strategically appealing to younger generations, fostering nostalgia and encouraging them to create lifelong memories in the town, which could ultimately influence their decision to stay or return in the future. This effort aligns with a revitalization project that will soon recommence at the Coastal Centre shopping center. Planned for completion by late summer 2026, the revived shopping center will introduce over 140,000 square feet of retail space alongside outdoor and green spaces for families and visitors.
Originally opened in 1969, the Coastal Centre had fallen into disrepair and was classified as abandoned. Rise Partners acquired the property, aiming to restore its original allure while providing a complementary atmosphere for the existing downtown restaurants and shops.
The revitalization of Conway’s dining and cultural landscape illustrates a powerful transformation fueled by community investment, strategic planning, and a commitment to maintaining the town’s unique character while embracing growth and modernization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has contributed to Conway’s restaurant growth?
Conway’s growth in the restaurant sector can be attributed to strategic city investments in the downtown area, alongside increasing support from the local community. The recent revitalization plans and business incentives have also played a significant role.
How has the city transformed its image?
The city has transitioned from being perceived as just a historic town to being nicknamed “little Charleston.” This change reflects increased cultural activities and an array of dining options that attract both residents and visitors.
What future developments are planned for Conway?
The Coastal Centre shopping center is set for a major revitalization, aiming to introduce new retail and dining options by late summer 2026. The project represents ongoing efforts to enhance Conway’s appeal as a vibrant destination.
Key Features of Conway’s Transformation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Growth | More than 20 dining establishments within a small radius |
| Cultural Events | Seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas boost local business |
| Ocean vs. Local | Year-round local clientele vs. seasonal tourism reliance in Myrtle Beach |
| Future Development | Revitalization of Coastal Centre set to complete in 2026 with over 140,000 sq. ft. of space |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Arkansas Business
- Arkansas Times
- Post and Courier
- Economic Times
- Wikipedia: Conway, Arkansas
- Google Search: Conway restaurant growth
- Google Scholar: Conway Arkansas economic development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Conway
- Google News: Conway Arkansas news
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
