Socastee, SC, January 26, 2026
The Throckmorton family is set to open Dockside Dawgs, a new restaurant in Socastee, transforming a historic property into a culinary and community hub. This venture not only offers comfort food but also contributes to local economic growth and preserves the area’s heritage. The location aims to serve the Forestbrook neighborhood and supports various jobs while enhancing the unique character of Myrtle Beach’s dining landscape.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What new restaurant is opening in Socastee?
Introducing a new restaurant called Dockside Dawgs, anticipated to open in early February.
Who is opening Dockside Dawgs and where is it located?
Local entrepreneurs Chris and Brianna Throckmorton are opening Dockside Dawgs at the historic Cooper House and T.B. Cooper General Store property, located at 4211 Peachtree Road in Socastee, near the Intracoastal Waterway.
What kind of food will Dockside Dawgs serve?
Expect a menu of short-order comfort food, including fresh biscuits, BLTs, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, ice cream, and future blue-plate specials like chicken bog and meatloaf.
What is the historical significance of the Dockside Dawgs property?
The property is a century-old landmark, encompassing the Cooper House (circa 1908) and T.B. Cooper General Store (circa 1905), and is part of the Socastee Historic District recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
How do local businesses like Dockside Dawgs impact the Myrtle Beach economy?
Support for local businesses like Dockside Dawgs drives local economic growth, creates jobs, preserves community character, and contributes significantly to tax revenue and the overall vitality of Horry County.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The entrepreneurial spirit of the Grand Strand shines brightly as a local family prepares to open a new restaurant on a historically significant property in Socastee. This venture exemplifies the resilience and innovative drive of Myrtle Beach small business owners who are committed to investing in their communities. Such private initiatives are key drivers of local economic growth, creating jobs and preserving the unique character of our neighborhoods.
The decision by Chris and Brianna Throckmorton to acquire and transform the century-old Cooper House and T.B. Cooper General Store property into a new eatery, Dockside Dawgs, represents more than just a business opening; it is a testament to personal achievement and a belief in the potential of dedicated local investment. Their endeavor to blend a new culinary offering with the preservation of a historic site underscores a thoughtful approach to development that benefits both commerce and heritage.
A New Chapter for a Historic Socastee Property
The property, which includes the Cooper House and the T.B. Cooper General Store, boasts a history spanning over a century. These buildings are integral to the Socastee Historic District, an area recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002. The district itself is a significant example of post-Civil War development in the upper coastal region of South Carolina, with structures dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Cooper House was built around 1908, and the T.B. Cooper Store in 1905, serving as a hub for the community and post office for Socastee’s first postmaster. The Throckmortons’ vision extends beyond the restaurant to include operating a wedding and rental venue within the historic buildings, further ensuring the property’s continued vitality and community engagement.
Dockside Dawgs: A Culinary and Community Hub
The new restaurant, Dockside Dawgs, is set to offer a menu of short-order comfort food, including fresh biscuits, BLTs, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, and ice cream. Plans also include future blue-plate specials such as chicken bog and meatloaf, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner services available. Situated at 4211 Peachtree Road, near the Intracoastal Waterway and the Socastee Swing Bridge, the location is strategically positioned to serve both local residents and boaters. The opening, anticipated by early February, addresses a local need for more dining options in the growing Forestbrook neighborhood, particularly on that side of the bridge.
Entrepreneurial Vision and Local Investment
The decision by the Throckmorton family to purchase and develop this historic property highlights a commendable act of private investment and entrepreneurial foresight. Their commitment to the Socastee community, where they reside, is evident in their desire to embrace and become stewards of these significant local landmarks. Such initiatives by South Carolina entrepreneurs are vital for sustained local economic growth. The City of Myrtle Beach actively supports small businesses and encourages private investment through various programs and partnerships, recognizing their role in revitalization efforts and job creation.
Economic Impact of Small Businesses in Myrtle Beach
Small businesses form the backbone of the Horry County economy, with 94% of all businesses employing fewer than 50 people. The restaurant and foodservice industry, in particular, is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, projected to contribute $24.81 billion in direct economic output in 2025 and support 251,803 jobs statewide. Across South Carolina, the capital invested in startups has seen a 27.5 times increase since 2011. Restaurants play a crucial role in local economies by providing employment opportunities, supporting local suppliers, contributing to property values, and generating tax revenue that benefits the entire community. Horry County’s hospitality fees alone generated approximately $59.3 million in tax collections in 2024.
Navigating Business Regulations for Growth
While entrepreneurial drive is abundant, understanding and efficiently navigating local regulations is a key factor in successful business launches. Horry County requires a business license for operations within its unincorporated areas, with specific zoning compliance and permitting processes, particularly if a building’s occupancy classification changes. The Horry County Sheriff’s Department reviews special permits, and applications often need to be submitted at least 15 days prior to the intended start date. Efficient and clear regulatory frameworks can help foster an environment where businesses like Dockside Dawgs can open and thrive, contributing to the local economy without undue delay.
Key Features of Dockside Dawgs Opening
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New Restaurant Name | Dockside Dawgs | Local |
| Location | Historic Socastee property (Cooper House & T.B. Cooper General Store), 4211 Peachtree Road, near Intracoastal Waterway and Socastee Swing Bridge | Local |
| Owners | Chris and Brianna Throckmorton (family) | Local |
| Anticipated Opening | Early February (updated January 26, 2026) | Local |
| Menu Focus | Short-order comfort food (biscuits, BLTs, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, ice cream, blue-plate specials) | Local |
| Historical Significance of Property | Over 100 years old; part of Socastee Historic District (added to National Register in 2002); includes Cooper House (circa 1908) and T.B. Cooper General Store (circa 1905) | Local |
| Additional Property Use | Wedding and rental venue within historic buildings | Local |
| Restaurant Industry Direct Economic Output (2025) | $24.81 billion | State-level |
| Restaurant Industry Jobs Supported (2025) | 251,803 jobs | State-level |
| Small Businesses in Horry County | 94% employ fewer than 50 people | Local |
The upcoming opening of Dockside Dawgs in Socastee is a compelling narrative of local entrepreneurship and a valuable addition to the Myrtle Beach SC business landscape. It underscores how private citizens, through determination and strategic investment, can breathe new life into cherished landmarks while contributing significantly to their community’s prosperity. As Myrtle Beach small business ventures like this take root, they reinforce the area’s economic vitality, providing jobs, services, and opportunities for all. Supporting these local businesses is not just about enjoying new dining options; it is about investing in the fabric of our community and fostering an environment where innovation and personal achievement can flourish. We encourage our readers to welcome and support Dockside Dawgs and other local enterprises that are shaping the promising future of Myrtle Beach and Horry County.
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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.
