Myrtle Beach, SC, January 12, 2026
Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is set to open in Myrtle Beach, marking a significant addition to the area’s diverse dining scene. This new venture signifies ongoing economic vitality and support for local entrepreneurship. With a focus on Calabash-style seafood, the restaurant will contribute to job creation and the community’s culinary heritage. The proactive steps taken by the local government in handling permit processes further emphasize Myrtle Beach’s commitment to fostering a robust business environment. As the region continues to grow, new establishments like Captain Nemo’s play a vital role in its economic landscape.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach Welcomes New Calabash Seafood Buffet, Signaling Economic Vitality
The Grand Strand’s vibrant culinary landscape is set to expand with the anticipated opening of Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, reflecting a continued commitment to entrepreneurial spirit and local economic growth.
Myrtle Beach continues to be a fertile ground for new business ventures, demonstrating a robust economic environment shaped by the vision and determination of entrepreneurs. The prospective addition of Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet to the local dining scene underscores the ongoing confidence in the region’s ability to support diverse enterprises. Such developments are crucial for sustained economic expansion, providing new jobs and contributing to the dynamic character of our community. The proactive efforts of individuals to launch and grow businesses, coupled with a responsive local government in managing permit processes, are foundational to a thriving economy.
The opening of new establishments like Captain Nemo’s is more than just about new dining options; it’s a testament to the resilience of the local market and the allure of Myrtle Beach as a place where entrepreneurial dreams can take root. As new businesses navigate the necessary steps of licensing and permitting, they often highlight the pathways available for private investment and innovation to flourish within a structured yet supportive regulatory framework. This process, while thorough, is designed to ensure safety and compliance, ultimately benefiting both business owners and the wider community.
A Taste of Tradition: The Calabash Style Arrives on Kings Highway
Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is preparing to open its doors at 2900 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. This location previously housed a Bennett’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, which is now closed. The property itself is owned by DJ’s of Myrtle Beach, having been acquired in 1999 for $1.25 million. The choice of location suggests an aim to continue a beloved culinary tradition in a familiar and accessible area, catering to both residents and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the Carolina coast.
Understanding Calabash Seafood: A Southern Culinary Staple
The term “Calabash-style seafood” signifies a distinctive and cherished Southern cooking method deeply rooted in the Carolina coast, with its origins tracing back to the 1930s. This preparation technique involves lightly dredging seafood in a seasoned cornmeal or flour mixture before flash-frying it to achieve a delicate, crisp, and golden finish. Unlike other regional seafood styles that may rely on heavy batters or bold spices, the Calabash approach prioritizes simplicity and freshness, allowing the natural flavors of the seafood to be the focal point. Typical offerings in a Calabash-style meal include small, sweet shrimp with tails removed, flounder, scallops, oysters, and deviled crab. These meals are often presented in a buffet format, traditionally accompanied by classic Southern sides such as hushpuppies, coleslaw, and honey butter. Myrtle Beach is recognized for having a high concentration of restaurants that feature “Calabash-style” seafood, often in buffet settings.
Navigating the Permitting Process for New Ventures
For Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, the journey to opening has involved submitting necessary license and permit requests. City business license records indicate that a sign permit for a freestanding sign with internally-lit letters was requested, alongside applications for food and alcohol licenses in December. As of January 7, 2026, construction at the site was temporarily halted due to pending permit requirements. In Myrtle Beach, obtaining a business license is a requirement for any person or entity conducting business within city limits. The application process typically involves submitting a Business License Application form, payment, and a copy of a government-issued photo identification. New businesses must purchase a license prior to operation. The approval process, which can take approximately 7 to 10 business days, involves reviews by various city departments, including Zoning and Fire, as well as state agencies such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South Carolina Department of Revenue Alcohol Beverage Licensing. Once issued, the business license must be prominently displayed for public viewing. Operating without a proper license can lead to penalties, including fines and potential jail time. The city is also working to standardize its business license year with other communities across the state, with renewals generally due by April 30. A shared portal is under development to streamline renewals for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Myrtle Beach’s Growing Economy: A Hub for Opportunity
Myrtle Beach and the broader Horry County region are experiencing significant economic growth, positioning the area as a dynamic hub for business and opportunity. The metropolitan area is recognized as the second fastest-growing in the country, largely due to its appeal as a tourism destination. Experts project substantial economic expansion, with the area expected to grow by nearly 40 percent over the next decade. The culinary sector, in particular, has seen considerable development, showcasing a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the confidence of local investors. New restaurants play a vital role in this growth, creating jobs and breathing new life into commercial spaces. The hospitality industry accounts for 24% of jobs in Horry County. The overall business environment, characterized by supportive conditions and, where possible, limited regulatory hurdles, encourages individuals to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to job creation and a diversified economic base. The Grand Strand boasts over 2,000 restaurants, reflecting its status as a major culinary destination.
The Ripple Effect of Small Business Innovation
The commitment of individuals to open new businesses, such as Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, has a positive ripple effect throughout the local economy. These ventures not only introduce fresh dining options but also contribute to job creation, increased local spending, and the overall diversification of the economic landscape in Myrtle Beach. The success of small businesses is critical to the economic health of the area, operating with agility and innovation to meet local market demands. The entrepreneurial drive evident in Myrtle Beach is a key factor in strengthening the community’s economic resilience, fostering a cycle of growth that benefits everyone.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Local Growth
The anticipation surrounding Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is a positive indicator of Myrtle Beach’s ongoing economic vitality and its attractiveness to entrepreneurs. As this new restaurant progresses through the final stages of its opening, it stands as an example of the continuous private investment and innovation that drive the local economy. We encourage everyone to support local businesses, both new and established, as their success directly fuels job creation and strengthens the unique economic fabric of the Grand Strand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of restaurant is Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet?
Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is a new Calabash-style seafood restaurant preparing to open in Myrtle Beach.
Where will Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet be located?
It will be located at 2900 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach.
What is Calabash-style seafood?
Calabash-style seafood is a traditional Southern cooking method rooted in the Carolina coast, involving lightly dredging seafood in seasoned cornmeal or flour and flash-frying it to create a delicate, crisp texture.
What kinds of food are typically served Calabash-style?
Common Calabash-style seafood items include shrimp (small, sweet, tails removed), flounder, scallops, oysters, and deviled crab, often served buffet-style with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and honey butter.
What is the current status of Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet’s opening?
The restaurant has requested a sign permit and licenses for food and alcohol sales. As of January 7, 2026, construction was stopped due to pending permit requirements.
What is the process for obtaining a business license in Myrtle Beach?
Any person or entity doing business within Myrtle Beach city limits must obtain an annual business license. The process involves submitting an application, payment, and identification, with approvals from various city and state agencies, and can take 7 to 10 business days.
How does a new restaurant contribute to Myrtle Beach’s economy?
New restaurants like Captain Nemo’s contribute to job creation, increase local spending, and diversify the economic landscape, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and confidence of local investors in Myrtle Beach.
Key Features of Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet | Local |
| Location | 2900 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC | Local |
| Culinary Style | Calabash-style seafood (lightly breaded, flash-fried) | Regional (Carolina Coast) |
| Current Status | Preparing to open; sign, food, and alcohol permits requested; construction halted as of Jan 7, 2026, due to pending permit requirements. | Local |
| Property Ownership | DJ’s of Myrtle Beach (purchased in 1999 for $1.25 million) | Local |
| Economic Impact | Expected to contribute to job creation, local spending, and economic diversification. | Local |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Golf and Retirement: Discovering Affordable Coastal Living
Myrtle Beach Golf Adventures: Indoor Alternatives for Rainy Days
New Upscale Steakhouse Uptown Bistro Opening in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach: Your Family’s Last-Chance Summer Golf Getaway!
Discover the Best Seafood Buffets in Myrtle Beach for a Coastal Culinary Adventure
Myrtle Beach’s Culinary Scene Invites Fall Indulgence with Fresh Seafood and Local Flavors
Exciting New Seafood Joint Swims into North Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Inspection Results: B and C Grades Revealed
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.
