North Myrtle Beach, October 12, 2025
Dairy Queen and Dunkin’ Donuts
Dairy Queen, founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, is renowned for its soft serve ice cream and various treats, establishing itself as a leading fast-food franchise specializing in frozen desserts and quick-service meals. Dunkin’ Donuts, established in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, has grown into a global chain famous for its coffee, donuts, and baked goods, serving millions daily. Both brands have expanded significantly over the decades through franchise models, emphasizing quality and customer service. Today, they are household names with a widespread presence, continually innovating their product lines to meet evolving consumer preferences and maintain their positions in the competitive fast-food industry.
News Summary
North Myrtle Beach is set to enhance its dining scene with new Dairy Queen and Dunkin’ Donuts locations. Situated next to Zips Car Wash on Highway 17 South, these restaurants will offer drive-thru services and approximately 10,000 square feet of combined space. Scheduled to open in September, this development comes amid restaurant closures in the area, showcasing a dynamic food landscape as local favorites give way to popular chains. With completion expected in mid-2024, the city aims to increase options for residents and visitors alike.
North Myrtle Beach is set to enhance its dining options with the addition of two national-chain restaurants: Dairy Queen and Dunkin’ Donuts. Both locations are part of an effort to expand the presence of these popular eateries in the greater Myrtle Beach area. The new restaurants will be conveniently located next to Zips Car Wash at 4404 Highway 17 South.
Currently, no construction has begun on site, but a construction sign is present on the property indicating future development. Majid Adwan, a project manager for Pyramids Construction LLC, noted that the buildings are expected to be completed by June or July 2024. Once operational, both stores will include a drive-thru service, catering to the increased demand for convenient dining options.
The anticipated opening date for both Dairy Queen and Dunkin’ Donuts is September 2024. The total planned square footage for the two stores is approximately 10,000 square feet. The development will consist of two buildings with a combined total of six units; however, four of those units currently do not have proposed occupants.
Dairy Queen has been expanding its footprint with multiple locations opening in recent years. This includes new stores launched in both 2020 and 2021, along with eight additional outlets established in 2015 across the Myrtle Beach area. Similarly, Dunkin’ Donuts has recently opened several locations as well, including a new site in Murrells Inlet near TPC Golf Course in October 2023.
While these new restaurants are set to attract customers, it is noteworthy that the area recently saw the closure of the Sea Merchants Restaurant, a local establishment known for its steaks and seafood, after 40 years of operation as the owners retire. The Sea Merchants Restaurant was listed for sale for over $1.8 million and included two floors, featuring a main dining area along with an upstairs cocktail lounge. This closure is part of a broader trend in Myrtle Beach, where many restaurants have shut their doors for various reasons, including business, health, and lease issues.
Despite the closures, new tenants are expected to replace some of these defunct restaurants quickly. For example, Ziggy’s Pub is set to replace The Office Italian Pub. Additionally, a new business ordinance has been approved by the North Myrtle Beach city council for a proposed retail center named Eagle’s Nest Village, which includes plans for additional restaurants and shopping opportunities in the area.
Key Features of North Myrtle Beach’s New Dining Options
- New Restaurants: Dairy Queen and Dunkin’ Donuts
- Location: 4404 Highway 17 South next to Zips Car Wash
- Square Footage: Approximately 10,000 square feet
- Drive-thru: Yes, both stores will feature this service
- Construction Completion: June or July 2024
- Opening Date: September 2024
- Industry Context: New tenants expected to replace closed restaurants
- Recent Closures: Sea Merchants Restaurant after 40 years of operation
FAQs
When will Dairy Queen and Dunkin’ Donuts open in North Myrtle Beach?
The anticipated opening date for both restaurants is September 2024.
Where are the new restaurants located?
Both restaurants will be situated next to Zips Car Wash at 4404 Highway 17 South.
What is the total square footage of the new restaurants?
The total planned square footage for the two stores is approximately 10,000 square feet.
Will there be drive-thru service at the new locations?
Yes, both stores will feature drive-thru service.
What are some recent restaurant closures in the area?
The Sea Merchants Restaurant, known for steaks and seafood, closed after 40 years of operation as the owners retire.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Murrells Inlet Unveils New Drive-Thru Coffee Shop
North Myrtle Beach Welcomes Dairy Queen and Dunkin’ Donuts
Additional Resources
- AOL: Longtime North Myrtle Beach Steak Restaurant Closes
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online: Architect Speaks on Proposed Retail Center
- Google Search: Proposed Retail Center North Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News: Council Approves Retail Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Tasting Table: Hidden Gem Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Restaurants Myrtle Beach
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.
