Conway, SC, December 20, 2025

The closure of Donzelle’s Restaurant in Conway, a family-owned establishment for over six decades, marks a bittersweet moment for the local community. As the restaurant prepares to close by Christmas Eve, it reflects the importance of small businesses in fostering community spirit and resilience. The announcement has triggered nostalgic responses from patrons, highlighting the unique role such establishments play in local life. Despite this closure, the entrepreneurial spirit remains strong in Conway, suggesting opportunities for new ventures amidst ongoing economic growth.

Conway

Conway’s Donzelle’s Closes: A Look at Community, Resilience, and Future Growth

After 63 years, a beloved family restaurant prepares to close its doors, prompting reflection on Conway’s vibrant small business community and the opportunities ahead for local entrepreneurs.

The spirit of entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of American prosperity, and in communities like Conway, South Carolina, family-owned businesses often become the beating heart of local life. These establishments are more than just places of commerce; they are spaces where traditions are built, relationships are forged, and the values of hard work and dedication are passed down through generations. The recent news of Donzelle’s Restaurant, a cherished Conway institution, preparing to close its doors on Christmas Eve, 2025, resonates deeply within the community, highlighting both the bittersweet nature of change and the enduring resilience inherent in local South Carolina entrepreneurs.

While the departure of a long-standing local favorite can evoke nostalgia, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the dynamic cycles within our economy. It underscores the importance of fostering an environment where both established enterprises and burgeoning new ventures can thrive, adapt, and contribute to the rich tapestry of local commerce. For Conway, a city experiencing notable growth, this moment offers an opportunity to appreciate its heritage while embracing the innovative spirit that propels its economic future, influencing the broader Myrtle Beach SC business landscape.

A Legacy of Southern Hospitality: Donzelle’s Enduring Story

For over six decades, Donzelle’s Restaurant has stood as a beacon of authentic Southern hospitality in Conway, South Carolina. Founded in 1962 by Donzelle and Dick Dickerson, this family-owned diner quickly became renowned for its comforting, home-cooked meals and a welcoming atmosphere that made every visitor feel like family. Patrons frequently praised the fried chicken, hailed as one of the best in the region, and anticipated the daily changing lunch specials. The restaurant’s operations have been a testament to sustained family dedication, with the founders’ son, Larry Dickerson, and his daughter, Marley Crotts, continuing the legacy through three generations.

The dedication required to maintain a small business for over sixty years, serving a community with unwavering commitment, exemplifies the personal achievement and steadfast entrepreneurial spirit that underpins local economies. Donzelle’s was not just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot where generations of residents shared meals, conversations, and created lasting memories. This deep connection to the community is a hallmark of successful small businesses, demonstrating their irreplaceable role in the social and economic fabric of places like Conway.

More Than Just a Meal: The Community’s Heartfelt Response

The announcement of Donzelle’s impending closure on Christmas Eve, 2025, has been met with a wave of sadness and reflection from long-time customers. For many, Donzelle’s was more than just a restaurant; it was a “second home,” a foundational element of the Conway community where patrons were treated like family. The sense of loss articulated by regulars underscores the unique value that local establishments bring, offering a personal touch and a consistent, familiar environment that larger commercial enterprises often struggle to replicate.

This outpouring of sentiment highlights the vital social capital generated by small businesses. They foster a sense of belonging and community interaction that extends beyond mere transactions. The emotional impact of Donzelle’s closing serves as a powerful reminder for consumers and policymakers alike about the importance of supporting and appreciating the unique contributions of local entrepreneurs who invest their lives into building community hubs.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Lives On: New Chapters for Local Innovators

While the closure of Donzelle’s marks the end of an era, it also implicitly opens doors for new entrepreneurial innovation in Conway. Marley Crotts, the co-owner and granddaughter of the founders, has expressed that this is “just the beginning” and not the end of her story, indicating a potential return to the Grand Strand’s food scene in the future. This forward-looking perspective, even amidst a challenging transition, embodies the resilience and adaptive nature essential for South Carolina entrepreneurs.

Conway’s broader environment actively supports new ventures. The Arnold Innovation Center in downtown Conway, for example, provides resources such as low-cost coworking spaces, rented desks, and meeting areas, designed to help startups and small business owners launch, collaborate, and grow. These initiatives are crucial for cultivating a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging individuals to pursue their business aspirations and contribute to the economic vitality of the Myrtle Beach small business community.

Conway’s Economic Horizon: Growth and Opportunity

Conway is currently in a period of exciting development and economic growth. The city experienced a significant population increase of 50% between 2010 and 2020, with projections indicating a 75% growth by 2030. This demographic expansion creates new opportunities for businesses across various sectors. The local economy is driven by tourism, education, and healthcare, with a predicted future job growth of 40.5% over the next decade, surpassing the U.S. average.

The City of Conway actively works to stimulate commercial and industrial development, offering various incentives to entrepreneurs. Its downtown revitalization program, one of the longest continuous in the nation since 1986, has seen reduced vacancies and significant private investment. Such strategic efforts, combined with a rapidly growing housing sector, indicate a fertile ground for business expansion and new investments, contributing positively to Midlands economic growth.

Fostering Success: South Carolina’s Business-Friendly Environment

Beyond local initiatives, the broader State-level policy environment in South Carolina is designed to be conducive to business growth. South Carolina consistently ranks among the top 10 best business climates in the U.S. The state offers a competitive tax structure, including a 5% corporate income tax, and various incentives to encourage job creation and business relocation or expansion. The cost for utilities in South Carolina is also notably lower than the national average.

Furthermore, legislative efforts are underway to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses. The “Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act” (H. 3021), a State-level initiative, aims to ensure that major new regulations receive legislative approval and establishes a systematic review process to identify and remove outdated or unnecessary rules. These measures demonstrate a commitment to creating an environment where entrepreneurs can focus on innovation and growth rather than being encumbered by excessive red tape, directly benefiting Myrtle Beach SC business and beyond.

Conclusion

The closing of Donzelle’s Restaurant in Conway, while marking the end of a cherished era, simultaneously highlights the dynamic nature of our local economy and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship. It reminds us of the profound impact small businesses have on community identity and the importance of supporting the individuals who pour their hearts into these ventures. As Conway continues its impressive trajectory of growth and development, bolstered by supportive local and State-level policies and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, the legacy of establishments like Donzelle’s will undoubtedly inspire new generations of innovators. The future of Myrtle Beach small business, and indeed the broader Midlands economic growth, will continue to be shaped by the resilience and determination of its entrepreneurs. We encourage all residents to actively seek out and support local businesses, participate in community initiatives, and stay engaged in shaping a thriving economic future for Conway and the entire region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Donzelle’s Restaurant known for?

Donzelle’s Restaurant in Conway, SC, is renowned for its authentic Southern cuisine, including fried chicken and daily changing lunch specials, served in a warm, welcoming, family-like atmosphere.

How long has Donzelle’s Restaurant been in business?

Donzelle’s Restaurant has been a family-owned diner in Conway, SC, since 1962, operating for 63 years.

When is Donzelle’s Restaurant closing?

Donzelle’s Restaurant is scheduled to close its doors permanently on Christmas Eve, 2025.

Why is Donzelle’s Restaurant closing?

Reasons for Donzelle’s Restaurant’s closure include co-owner Larry Dickerson’s retirement and co-owner Marley Crotts needing a break from the demanding schedule.

What is the community’s reaction to Donzelle’s closing?

The closure has evoked sadness and a sense of loss among long-time patrons, who consider Donzelle’s a community institution and a “second home.”

What is the projected job growth for Conway, SC?

Conway has a predicted future job growth of 40.5% over the next ten years, which is higher than the U.S. average.

What support is available for small businesses in Conway?

The Arnold Innovation Center in downtown Conway supports startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with low-cost coworking space, resources, and networking events. The Conway Chamber of Commerce also provides resources and incentives to stimulate business growth.

What is the “Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act” in South Carolina?

The “Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act” (H. 3021) is a State-level legislative effort in South Carolina aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses, ensuring legislative approval for major new regulations, and establishing a review process for outdated rules.

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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.