Myrtle Beach, February 10, 2026
Myrtle Beach’s culinary landscape is evolving as a former doughnut shop on South Kings Highway transforms into Blaze, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurant. This change reflects a trend of repurposing local spaces for innovative dining experiences. As restaurateurs embrace new concepts, Myrtle Beach’s economy continues to thrive, contributing to job creation and attracting residents and visitors alike. Blaze promises a genuine Korean dining experience, enhancing the area’s diverse food scene and showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of local business owners.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What new restaurant is opening in Myrtle Beach?
Welcome Blaze, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurant, set to open its doors on South Kings Highway.
Where will this new restaurant be located?
Find Blaze at 200 S. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, occupying the building that previously housed The Donut Man.
What kind of food and dining experience will Blaze offer?
Experience a genuine Korean dining experience with interactive table grilling, featuring BBQ, premium beef rolls, baby octopus, and various hot pot broths.
How does this new restaurant contribute to Myrtle Beach’s economy?
Boost economic growth by repurposing existing commercial space, creating new jobs, and further diversifying the city’s expanding culinary scene.
What was at this location before Blaze?
The Donut Man, a popular doughnut shop, operated at 200 S. Kings Highway for over a decade before closing in November 2023.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s Culinary Evolution: Korean BBQ Takes Over Former Doughnut Spot
Myrtle Beach’s dynamic economic landscape continues to showcase the power of entrepreneurial vision and adaptive reuse of local commercial spaces. A new Korean barbecue and hot pot restaurant is poised to open its doors in a location that once housed a popular doughnut shop, signifying a fresh chapter for a well-known site on South Kings Highway. This transformation underscores a broader trend of innovative businesses repurposing existing infrastructure to bring new flavors and experiences to the community, contributing to the city’s ongoing economic growth. The resilience of Myrtle Beach SC business owners, combined with an eager market, continues to shape a vibrant and diverse local economy.
The decision by restaurateurs to invest in and reimagine a previously established location reflects confidence in Myrtle Beach’s sustained appeal to both residents and visitors. Such ventures not only add to the local culinary diversity but also create new jobs and stimulate economic activity. As South Carolina entrepreneurs continue to identify and seize opportunities, they play a crucial role in enhancing the Grand Strand’s reputation as a thriving area for both commerce and quality of life.
From Doughnuts to Dynamic Dining: A New Chapter on Kings Highway
The building at 200 S. Kings Highway, formerly home to The Donut Man for over a decade until its closure in November 2023, is undergoing a significant transformation. It is now preparing to welcome Blaze, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurant. This shift from a quick-service doughnut shop to an interactive full-service dining establishment highlights a broader trend in the hospitality industry, where existing retail spaces are being creatively repurposed to meet changing consumer preferences. This adaptive reuse allows new businesses to establish themselves in familiar neighborhoods while introducing fresh concepts that attract a wide audience.
Embracing Culinary Diversity and Interactive Experiences
The arrival of Blaze marks a notable addition to Myrtle Beach’s expanding culinary scene, offering a “genuine Korean dining experience” with signature dishes such as BBQ, premium beef rolls, baby octopus, and hot pot broth. This will be the second Korean barbecue restaurant to open in Myrtle Beach, further diversifying the area’s food offerings. Korean barbecue is celebrated for its interactive dining format, allowing guests to grill meats at their tables while enjoying a variety of traditional accompaniments. This hands-on, social experience is a key draw, transforming a meal into a memorable event for diners. The city’s dining landscape has been evolving, with global cuisines increasingly finding an eager audience, making such additions particularly welcome.
A Snapshot of Blaze’s Offerings
The new restaurant, Blaze, promises an engaging dining experience. Below are some key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Concept | All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and Hot Pot |
| Location | 200 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach |
| Former Tenant | The Donut Man (closed November 2023) |
| Dining Style | Interactive, with guests grilling meats at their table |
| Menu Highlights | BBQ, premium beef rolls, baby octopus, hot pot broth |
| Significance | Adds to Myrtle Beach’s growing culinary diversity |
Myrtle Beach: A Hub for Small Business Innovation and Economic Growth
The decision to launch new dining concepts, especially those involving the adaptive reuse of existing properties, demonstrates the confidence restaurateurs have in Myrtle Beach’s economic growth and year-round dining demand. The area has seen a significant “restaurant renaissance” over the last several years, with dozens of new dining concepts opening their doors and contributing to more than 2,000 restaurants in the region. This growth provides an infusion of local jobs and energy across coastal Carolina communities. Horry County, where Myrtle Beach is located, is one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing counties and is recognized as a prime location for business success due to its modern infrastructure, skilled workforce, and access to higher education. The local economy benefits significantly from these ventures, reinforcing the idea that a supportive environment can foster flourishing enterprise within Myrtle Beach small business community.
In 2025, Horry County residents collectively infused an impressive $30 billion into the local economy, highlighting the critical role of local businesses and individual achievements in driving sustained growth. This substantial contribution underscores the dynamic economic landscape, propelled by both established industries and burgeoning new ventures, creating opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. South Carolina as a state also ranked second overall in Area Development Magazine’s 2024 “Top States for Doing Business” rankings, noting its strong business environment in areas such as available real estate, business incentive programs, and speed of permitting.
Looking Ahead: A Resilient and Diverse Economy
The continuous emergence of new businesses like Blaze Korean BBQ and Hot Pot is a testament to the robust entrepreneurial spirit alive in Myrtle Beach. The city’s ability to attract diverse dining options and adapt existing commercial spaces for new ventures speaks volumes about its economic vitality and supportive environment for small businesses. As Myrtle Beach continues to evolve as a destination, these innovative establishments contribute not only to its culinary richness but also to its broader economic resilience and job creation.
We encourage our readers to support local businesses, explore the new flavors arriving in our community, and stay engaged in Myrtle Beach’s promising economic future. Every new venture, from the smallest startup to a transforming restaurant, plays a vital role in the prosperity of our beloved Grand Strand.
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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.
