Georgetown, SC, January 28, 2026
The closure of Root, a waterfront restaurant in Georgetown, SC, illustrates the challenges facing local businesses despite ongoing economic activity and innovation in the area. Known for its local ingredients and position along the Historic Georgetown Harborwalk, Root’s closure highlights the volatility of the business landscape, while other establishments and new ventures continue to emerge in the community. The evolving economic picture shows a mix of resilience and transformation fueled by local investment and entrepreneurial spirit.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What’s happening with the Root restaurant in Georgetown?
Announced that Root, a popular waterfront restaurant on the Historic Georgetown Harborwalk, will close on February 5. The establishment, known for its local ingredients, shared a heartfelt thank you to its patrons.
Are other businesses in Georgetown also closing or changing?
Yes, the dynamic economic landscape includes other changes, such as Between the Antlers’ announced closure and Marker 42 Lowcountry Cantina evolving into Alfresco Bistro under the same ownership. These transitions are part of the natural business cycle.
What new businesses are opening in the Georgetown area?
Experience new additions to the area, including The George Hotel, a boutique waterfront establishment opened in February 2024, and Pawleys Fish Camp, which recently had its soft opening in Pawleys Island, adding to the culinary scene.
What industrial growth is occurring in Georgetown County?
Witness significant industrial growth with new construction at the Georgetown County Business Center, including companies like Spry and Craftmade Foods, alongside expansions by Zilmet USA and Santee Electric. These developments indicate robust job creation opportunities.
How is Georgetown County preparing for future economic changes?
Strategize by diversifying its economic base, focusing on attracting higher-tech, higher-wage employment, and actively supporting small and minority-owned businesses. Local government is also redeveloping key industrial areas like the Georgetown Steel mill site.
Georgetown, SC – The dynamic economic landscape of Georgetown County continues to evolve, showcasing both the inevitable churn of the business world and the persistent spirit of entrepreneurial innovation. Recently, the news of a local waterfront restaurant, Root, closing its doors has resonated across the community, highlighting the challenges that businesses can face even in vibrant areas.
The closure, announced by Root on social media, marks the end of a chapter for a cherished establishment known for its use of local ingredients and its position on the Historic Georgetown Harborwalk. While such closures can bring a sense of loss, they also occur within a broader context of continuous economic activity, where new ventures emerge and established businesses adapt, demonstrating the resilience inherent in the Georgetown County economy.
The Changing Tides of Georgetown’s Waterfront Business
Root, a prominent waterfront restaurant located at 919 Front Street on the Historic Georgetown Harborwalk, recently announced its impending closure on February 5. The restaurant was recognized for its commitment to serving fresh, local ingredients, featuring a menu that included Southern classics like shrimp and grits, as well as ginger soy bowls and numerous vegetarian options.
The decision to close was shared through a social media post, which garnered over a hundred comments from patrons expressing their sadness over the loss of the eatery. The restaurant conveyed heartfelt thanks for loyalty and friendships built over the years. While the specific reasons behind the closure were not disclosed by Root, such transitions are a natural, albeit sometimes difficult, part of the business cycle.
This news follows an earlier report in January 2026 concerning another waterfront establishment, Between the Antlers, which had also announced a closure, though hinting it might only be for a short period. That restaurant had served Georgetown for over three years at its Wood Street location. Additionally, Marker 42 Lowcountry Cantina, located at 929 Front Street, officially closed in December 2024 to make way for a new concept, Alfresco Bistro, under the same ownership, showcasing how some closures are part of a strategic evolution rather than an outright end.
Resilience and New Ventures: A Balanced Perspective
Despite the occasional closure, the Georgetown County economy continues to show signs of entrepreneurial vigor and private investment. For instance, The George Hotel, a boutique waterfront establishment at 615 Front Street, opened its doors in Georgetown in February 2024. This signifies ongoing confidence in the area’s appeal and economic potential. Meanwhile, in nearby Pawleys Island, a new culinary addition, Pawleys Fish Camp, celebrated its soft opening in January, bringing classic Southern comfort foods with a creative twist to the local dining scene.
Further bolstering the economic outlook are significant developments in industrial sectors. The Georgetown County Business Center is seeing new construction, with companies like Spry, Craftmade Foods, and Diatom laying groundwork for future operations. Zilmet USA is also expanding its facility, and Santee Electric plans to add a 100,000-square-foot building in late 2024 to accommodate more users, indicating robust industrial growth and job creation opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs.
Navigating Economic Shifts: The Mill’s Impact and Broader Trends
Georgetown County has historically relied on industrial jobs, a legacy that continues to shape its economic discussions. The impending closure of a pulp & paper mill, anticipated in November 2024, has led businesses in Georgetown to brace for impact.
This highlights a broader trend across the state and nation where communities grapple with evolving industrial landscapes and the transition to new economic models. Georgetown County is actively focusing on its workforce and residents as it navigates these changes. The local government emphasizes diversifying its economic base with higher-tech, higher-wage employment opportunities, recognizing that employment in the retail and services sectors is expected to outpace manufacturing jobs in the coming decade.
These economic development efforts include rezoning and renovating the Georgetown Steel mill and Port of Georgetown area, as well as expanding the Georgetown County Airport. Such initiatives are crucial for strengthening the county’s economic resilience and attracting diverse investment.
The Power of Local Investment and Community Engagement
The spirit of Myrtle Beach SC business and the wider regional economy is built on local investment and strong community ties. Businesses like Root, with their focus on local ingredients, exemplify how small enterprises contribute to the unique character and appeal of a region.
Community engagement is also evident in initiatives like Georgetown County’s program for minority-owned small businesses. This program assists with procurement registration and promotion, ensuring that diverse local enterprises have opportunities to thrive. Such efforts underscore a commitment to inclusive growth and recognizing that Myrtle Beach small business, and those throughout the county, are vital to the overall health and prosperity of the area.
Key Features of Georgetown County’s Economic Landscape
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Root Restaurant Closure | Waterfront restaurant on Historic Georgetown Harborwalk closing Feb 5. | Local |
| Reason for Root Closure | Not publicly disclosed. | Local |
| The George Hotel Opening | Boutique waterfront hotel opened Feb 2024 at 615 Front St. | Local |
| Pawleys Fish Camp Opening | New restaurant in Pawleys Island soft opened Jan 2026. | Local |
| Pulp & Paper Mill Status | Nearing closure (Nov 2024), businesses bracing for impact. | Local |
| Industrial Growth | New construction in Georgetown County Business Center (Spry, Craftmade Foods, Diatom, Zilmet USA expansion, Santee Electric expansion). | Local |
| Economic Development Focus | Diversifying economy, higher-tech jobs, supporting small and minority-owned businesses. | State-level |
| Unemployment Rate | Georgetown County unemployment rate was about 4-5% in 2022, higher than state average but lower than national. | State-level |
Conclusion
The recent news of Root’s closure in Georgetown County serves as a poignant reminder of the ebb and flow inherent in the business world, yet it is merely one thread in the rich tapestry of the local economy. The continuous emergence of new businesses, alongside strategic investments in industrial development and economic diversification, paints a picture of a resilient and forward-looking community. The dedication of South Carolina entrepreneurs and the ongoing efforts of local leadership to foster an environment conducive to growth are essential for navigating these economic currents. We encourage everyone to support Myrtle Beach SC business and local enterprises throughout Georgetown County, as their collective success is the foundation of our shared prosperity and a vibrant future.
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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.
