Novel Bar-Dog Park Hybrid May Spring Up in Horry County Following Council Vote
Rezoning Ordinance Passed Leading to Potential Development
Located in the heart of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach may soon be the proud home of an exciting and unique concept – a bar and dog park hybrid. The City Council carried out the initial stage of the approval process for an ordinance on Tuesday that could pave the way for the introduction of this fresh joint venture to the bustling Market Common neighbourhood.
The Proposed Site and Its Unique Concept
The potential site for the future Wagbar location is situated on Shine Avenue and PFC Joe McGarry Street. The area is currently designed for “light manufacturing”, but if the ordinance is provided with the green light, the zoning laws would be revised to incorporate bars and taverns. Although the location is not fixed yet, Kendal Kulp, the CEO of Wagbar, expresses that Myrtle Beach is an ideal location for their business due to its dog-friendly nature. Kulp believes that their franchise could bridge the gap between leisure and pet-friendly environments.
“Wagbar is neither merely a bar nor a dog park. Dog parks usually lack amenities for humans, and conversely, bars tend to lack the playful environment for dogs. Dogs have to be on a leash, and it’s unfortunate. With us, you get the best of both worlds”, said Kulp.
A Successful Business Model Expanding to New Areas
The original Wagbar was established in Asheville, and has proven to be quite a hit. The possibility of a similar establishment in Myrtle Beach is generating quite a buzz among the city’s dog owners. Justin Carelock, a local resident, shared his excitement at the prospect of having a place where he can enjoy a drink while his dog plays freely.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea, and everyone deserves to enjoy a beer with their furry friend.” said Carelock. John Bullock echoed the same sentiments, enthused about the future prospect of enjoying a relaxed drink while his dogs burn energy. Don Smith, a retired firefighter who resides in the Market Common area, is also excited about the concept.
“We definitely need more places in Market Common where we can relax and bring our dogs along. It sounds like a splendid idea to me,” said Smith.
Next Steps:
The City Council is anticipated to make the second and final decision on the zoning addition during an upcoming meeting. This could open the doors for Myrtle Beach to earn the distinction of hosting South Carolina’s first bar and dog park hybrid. Despite the uncertainty, residents of the city who are dog owners or pet enthusiasts are already gearing up to enjoy the best of both worlds – a place where they can mingle, unwinding with a drink in hand whilst their pets have a gala time too.

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.


