Conway, February 5, 2026
Conway, South Carolina, is witnessing a significant expansion of its culinary scene, highlighted by the growth of local businesses like Kluck It and the arrival of national chains such as Slim Chickens and Popeyes. This vibrant dining landscape is creating job opportunities and enriching the local economy. The area’s ability to attract both small and large enterprises reflects a positive business environment and community support for innovation and investment, further enhancing the appeal of Conway and the Grand Strand region.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What’s driving the growth in Conway’s dining scene?
Conway’s dining scene is expanding due to both the success of local entrepreneurs, like Kluck It, and significant private investment from national brands, reflecting the region’s dynamic economic growth.
Which local chicken restaurant recently expanded into Conway?
Kluck It, a Myrtle Beach-based chicken restaurant, opened its second location in Conway in August 2024. This new outpost focuses on takeout and delivery to serve customers traveling from nearby areas like Coastal Carolina University.
What national chicken chains are opening new locations in Conway?
Slim Chickens is scheduled to complete its first Conway location in Q1 2026, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is expected to open a new restaurant on Meadows Edge Avenue by December 2025. Both represent significant national brand investment.
When are the new Slim Chickens and Popeyes locations expected to open in Conway?
Slim Chickens anticipates completion in the first quarter of 2026. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen aims to open its new Conway location by December 2025.
How does this restaurant growth benefit the Conway community?
This investment creates dozens of new jobs, supports local suppliers, and provides residents and visitors with greater choice and convenience for dining options. It also contributes to the local tax base and enhances the community’s quality of life.
Conway’s Culinary Landscape Grows: Local Chicken Concept Expands Alongside National Brands
Conway, South Carolina, is experiencing a notable surge in its culinary scene, marked by both local entrepreneurial success and significant private investment from national brands. This expansion underscores the dynamic economic growth of the region, creating new job opportunities and diverse dining options for residents and visitors alike. The story of local businesses flourishing and larger enterprises choosing the area for expansion is a testament to a healthy economic climate and strategic development within the Grand Strand.
The entrepreneurial spirit thrives in our local communities, demonstrating how innovative ideas can blossom into successful ventures. The ability of small businesses to identify market needs and scale their operations is a key indicator of a robust local economy. This growth is often supported by a community that values local enterprise and by a business environment that fosters investment and development. Conway, as a vital part of the Myrtle Beach area, is clearly benefiting from these positive trends, reflecting a wider pattern of economic vitality and increased commercial activity.
Kluck It’s Local Success Drives Conway Expansion
A prime example of local entrepreneurial innovation making its mark is Kluck It, a Myrtle Beach-based chicken restaurant that first opened its doors in 2020. Recognizing a growing demand, Kluck It expanded its operations by launching a second location in Conway in August 2024. This strategic move was driven by the significant popularity of the restaurant among customers traveling from areas such as Coastal Carolina University, Aynor, and Bucksport. Owner Melissa Cooper-Garcia, a native of Conway, identified the opportunity to better serve these patrons by bringing the distinctive chicken concept closer to them. The new Conway outpost has been designed to focus exclusively on takeout and delivery services, catering to the modern consumer’s preference for convenience.
Kluck It’s success highlights the resilience and adaptability of small businesses in the South Carolina market. Its ability to cultivate a loyal customer base and respond to market signals for expansion demonstrates effective business acumen. The growth of such homegrown establishments contributes significantly to the local economy, not only by creating jobs but also by enriching the community’s character and offering unique dining experiences that reflect local tastes and preferences.
National Brands See Value in Conway Investment
Beyond local success stories, Conway is also attracting substantial private investment from larger, national restaurant chains, signaling confidence in the area’s economic potential. This trend contributes to job creation and provides more diverse options for consumers. Such expansions often involve considerable capital investment in infrastructure and staffing, further stimulating the local economy.
Slim Chickens Establishes First Conway Presence
Among the prominent national brands expanding into Conway is Slim Chickens, a chain known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders and diverse menu. A new Slim Chickens restaurant is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026 at 2197 Church Street in Conway. This development involved the demolition of an existing structure to make way for a modern facility designed for efficient service. While this marks Slim Chickens’ first location directly in Conway, it is part of a broader expansion strategy within the Myrtle Beach region, with another franchise located in Carolina Forest. Larry and Jody Chandler, experienced franchisees who operate three other Slim Chickens locations, are at the helm of this new establishment. This retail project also includes a Firehouse Subs in the same building, showcasing a multi-tenant development approach that maximizes commercial efficiency. Slim Chickens operates over 200 locations Nationwide, underscoring its significant presence in the fast-casual dining sector.
Popeyes Expands Footprint in the Grand Strand
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is another national brand making substantial investments in the Grand Strand area. A Popeyes location on Meadows Edge Avenue, just off Highway 544 in Conway, was expected to open by December 2025. This new restaurant is part of a larger commercial development that also includes other popular eateries, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to retail and dining growth in the area. Prior to the Conway opening, a Popeyes location in Myrtle Beach, situated on U.S. 501, commenced operations in October 2024. The expansion of such well-known brands indicates a positive outlook on the economic viability and consumer base of the Myrtle Beach and Conway markets.
Broader Trends in the Chicken Restaurant Segment
The growth observed in Conway is reflective of a wider trend within the chicken restaurant segment, both locally and Nationwide. Concepts specializing in chicken continue to see robust growth and expansion, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the versatility of chicken-based menus. For instance, Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual concept, has continued its expansion by opening a company-owned location in Aiken, South Carolina, in April 2024. This regional growth is mirrored by the brand’s Nationwide expansion, including a new restaurant in Waco, Texas.
This sustained interest and investment in chicken-focused eateries highlight a dynamic sector of the food service industry. The ability of diverse concepts, from local favorites to national chains, to find success within this market underscores consumer demand and the potential for continued economic development in areas that welcome such enterprise.
Key Features of Recent Restaurant Openings in Conway, SC
| Restaurant | Type of Expansion | Key Features | Opening Timeline (as of Feb 2026) | Geographic Scope of Brand Operations/Expansion |
| Kluck It | Local (Myrtle Beach-based) second location in Conway | Focus on takeout and delivery; driven by local customer demand from Coastal Carolina University, Aynor, and Bucksport. | Opened August 2024 | Local/Regional |
| Slim Chickens | First Conway location; part of broader regional expansion for the franchisee | Located at 2197 Church Street, part of a multi-tenant development including Firehouse Subs; demolition of existing structure for new build; franchisees operate multiple locations. | Scheduled for completion Q1 2026 | Nationwide (over 200 locations) |
| Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen | New Conway location; part of larger regional development | Located on Meadows Edge Ave; part of a development with other restaurants like Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. | Expected to open by December 2025 | Nationwide |
| Chicken Salad Chick | Company-owned location in Aiken, SC, and Nationwide expansion | Growth in South Carolina; new restaurant in Waco, Texas, marking first in metropolitan area. | Aiken location opened April 2024. Waco location announced. | Nationwide |
Fostering Economic Growth and Community Vibrancy
The consistent investment in Conway’s dining sector, from small-business expansions like Kluck It to the arrival of national players such as Slim Chickens and Popeyes, illustrates a vibrant and growing economic landscape. This activity creates dozens of new jobs, supports local suppliers, and provides greater choice and convenience for consumers. The pro-growth environment in the Myrtle Beach area continues to encourage entrepreneurs and investors, recognizing that a streamlined regulatory framework and strong community support are essential ingredients for sustained economic development.
As these new establishments become integral parts of the community, they not only contribute to the local tax base but also enhance the quality of life for residents by offering diverse culinary experiences. Supporting these local businesses, whether they are homegrown success stories or national brands investing in our community, is crucial for maintaining the momentum of economic growth and ensuring a thriving future for Conway and the entire Grand Strand. Engage with these new ventures, explore their offerings, and continue to support the economic dynamism that makes our area an exciting place to live and work.
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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.
