Myrtle Beach, SC, January 13, 2026
Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is set to open in Myrtle Beach, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth in the region. The restaurant is undergoing renovations at a former Bennett’s location, promising a fresh dining experience centered on Calabash-style seafood. Owner Rafik Hakobyan aims to enhance the local culinary scene while contributing to job creation and community investment. The opening showcases the determination of local entrepreneurs and reinforces Myrtle Beach’s vibrant business landscape.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What new restaurant is coming to Myrtle Beach?
Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is preparing to open its doors, signaling continued economic growth and fresh entrepreneurial spirit in Myrtle Beach’s dining scene.
Where will Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet be located?
Captain Nemo’s will occupy the site at 2900 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, the former location of a Bennett’s Calabash Seafood Buffet.
Who is the entrepreneur behind Captain Nemo’s?
Rafik Hakobyan is the entrepreneur driving the vision for Captain Nemo’s, displaying business resilience and a commitment to enhancing the customer experience.
What kind of cuisine will Captain Nemo’s serve?
Expect a buffet focusing on popular Calabash-style seafood, renowned for its distinctive light, crispy fried coating, featuring a variety of fried seafood.
What updates and amenities are planned for the new restaurant?
Significant renovations are underway to create a newer, cleaner, and more spacious interior, with future plans to add a bar for additional amenities.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Captain Nemo’s Brings Fresh Entrepreneurial Spirit to Myrtle Beach’s Seafood Scene
A new culinary venture, Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, is preparing to open its doors in Myrtle Beach, signaling continued economic growth and the enduring spirit of local entrepreneurship along the Grand Strand. This development highlights the persistent determination of South Carolina entrepreneurs to invest in the community and enhance its vibrant business landscape.
The arrival of new small businesses like Captain Nemo’s is a testament to the robust local economy and the favorable conditions that allow innovative ventures to flourish. Such investments not only provide fresh dining experiences but also play a crucial role in job creation and the overall vitality of Myrtle Beach, SC business. It underscores a community where determined individuals are willing to take the initiative, contributing to the region’s dynamic character.
A New Chapter for a Familiar Location
Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is set to occupy the site at 2900 N. Kings Highway, a location that previously hosted a Bennett’s Calabash Seafood Buffet. City records indicate that the property, acquired by DJ’s of Myrtle Beach in 1999 for $1.25 million, is undergoing significant revitalization. This transition represents a continuation of a beloved culinary tradition in a prime, accessible area, catering to both residents and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the Carolina coast.
The Entrepreneurial Drive Behind Captain Nemo’s
The vision for Captain Nemo’s is driven by Rafik Hakobyan, the entrepreneur behind this new establishment. His initiative to launch a new Calabash-style seafood restaurant in a competitive market reflects a commendable display of business resilience and personal achievement. The commitment to updating and refreshing the interior of a well-known location demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, aiming to enhance the customer experience while preserving the essence of a popular dining style. This kind of private investment is essential for sustained economic expansion and shows confidence in the future of the Myrtle Beach small business sector.
Embracing the Calabash Tradition
The restaurant will maintain its focus on the popular Calabash-style seafood, a culinary tradition originating from Calabash, North Carolina, renowned for its distinctive light, crispy fried coating. Captain Nemo’s plans to offer a buffet featuring a variety of fried seafood, including shrimp, scallops, oysters, and different types of fish. This adherence to a cherished regional cuisine not only appeals to local palates but also reinforces the cultural heritage of the Grand Strand’s dining scene.
Modern Updates and Future Amenities
Beyond its culinary offerings, Captain Nemo’s is undergoing significant renovations to provide a more modern and inviting atmosphere. The interior is being updated to be newer, cleaner, and more spacious, promising an improved dining environment for patrons. Furthermore, plans are in place to add a bar in the future, which could expand its appeal and provide additional amenities for diners. These enhancements showcase a commitment to customer satisfaction and a desire to create a memorable experience.
Navigating the Path to Opening
The journey to opening has involved navigating the necessary permitting processes. City business license records confirm that Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet has submitted requests for a sign permit, which includes a freestanding sign with internally-lit letters, and applied for food and alcohol licenses in December. As of January 7, 2026, construction at the site experienced a temporary pause due to pending permit requirements. These routine steps in local government oversight ensure safety and compliance, reflecting a structured environment for new businesses to operate within, and ultimately contributing to responsible economic growth.
Key Features of Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet | Local |
| Cuisine Style | Calabash-style seafood (light, crispy fried coating) | Regional |
| Location | 2900 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC (former Bennett’s site) | Local |
| Owner | Rafik Hakobyan | Local |
| Anticipated Opening | End of February 2026 | Local |
| Renovations | Newer, cleaner, more spacious interior; future bar planned | Local |
| Permits Requested | Sign permit, food and alcohol licenses (December) | Local |
A Positive Outlook for Local Economic Growth
The upcoming launch of Captain Nemo’s Calabash Seafood Buffet is a positive indicator for the Myrtle Beach SC business community and the broader local economy. It underscores the ongoing confidence of South Carolina entrepreneurs in the region’s potential for growth and success. New ventures like this contribute to job creation, diversify local offerings, and foster a competitive market that ultimately benefits consumers. Supporting these local businesses is crucial for strengthening the economic fabric of our community and ensuring Myrtle Beach remains a vibrant place for both enterprise and leisure. We encourage everyone to stay engaged in the economic future of Myrtle Beach and support the local businesses that make our community unique.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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.
