Myrtle Beach, January 6, 2026
The culinary scene in Myrtle Beach has experienced significant growth recently, reflecting a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. New restaurants have opened, offering diverse dining options and showcasing the confidence of local investors. These new culinary ventures are not just enhancing the area’s economy, but also creating jobs and revitalizing previously vacant spaces. Businesses like Bistro B and 357 Raw Coastal Bar exemplify how innovative dining experiences are becoming community hubs, while larger openings contribute to Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier destination.
Myrtle Beach’s 2025 Culinary Surge: A Testament to Entrepreneurial Drive
The past year saw a remarkable expansion in the Grand Strand’s dining scene, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and private investment fueling Myrtle Beach’s economic growth.
Myrtle Beach continues to prove itself a dynamic hub for innovation and opportunity, particularly within its ever-evolving culinary landscape. The year 2025 was a significant period, marked by a surge of new restaurant openings that not only diversified dining options for residents and visitors but also underscored the unwavering determination of South Carolina entrepreneurs. This growth is a clear indicator of a healthy local economy, demonstrating the confidence investors and small business owners have in the Grand Strand’s future.
The influx of new establishments reflects a powerful combination of individual vision and responsive market conditions. These new ventures, ranging from intimate bistros to expansive entertainment venues, collectively contribute to job creation and sustained economic vitality, reinforcing the idea that a supportive environment, perhaps even one with limited regulatory hurdles, can truly foster flourishing enterprise within Myrtle Beach SC business.
A Diverse Palette of New Flavors
The year 2025 saw dozens of exciting new dining options emerge across the Grand Strand, catering to a wide array of tastes and preferences. From casual eateries to fine dining establishments, this expansion brought a fresh culinary perspective to the region. This diverse array of new businesses speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Myrtle Beach.
Among the notable openings was Bistro B, which began serving customers in early April 2025 at 1803 N. Kings Highway, offering specialty drinks, sushi, steak, and more. This establishment uniquely combines upscale casual dining with the growing sport of pickleball, featuring three on-site courts available for reservation. Guests who play pickleball also receive dining discounts. Bistro B exemplifies how businesses are innovating to offer multifaceted experiences, blending culinary delights with recreational activities.
Another significant addition was 357 Raw Coastal Bar at 8205 Marina Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, bringing a fresh take on coastal dining with an emphasis on fresh, raw seafood like oysters, ceviche, and tuna poke. This establishment, from the team behind Crave Italian Oven & Bar and Sol y Luna Latin Cantina, combines modern elegance with Carolina charm. The variety extended to international flavors with restaurants such as Lemongrass Vietnamese Pho & Thai Cuisine, which opened in August 2025, offering warming bowls of pho, rich curries, and classic stir-fries at 1943 Mr. Joe White Ave unit A.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Private Investment
The numerous restaurant openings in 2025 highlight the significant entrepreneurial drive within the Myrtle Beach small business community. Many of these ventures represent substantial private investment and the courageous pursuit of new opportunities. For instance, Sam Lauren, owner of the SOHO restaurant chain and Toasty, launched Uptown Bistro & Bakery in 2025 at 7710 North Kings Highway, bringing an upscale dining experience with handcrafted pastries and a chef-driven menu. This demonstrates a commitment by established local business leaders to further invest in the area’s economic landscape.
Partnerships also played a key role in bringing fresh concepts to life, such as the collaboration between the owners of Neal and Pam’s and El Cerro Grande to open Sloppy Jose’s Cantina and Seafood Grill in Murrells Inlet. This new establishment, located at 2859 US-17 Business, was designed to offer a mix of fresh seafood and Mexican classics, adding to the Grand Strand’s diverse culinary offerings. These endeavors showcase the belief in Myrtle Beach’s robust market and its capacity to embrace diverse culinary concepts.
Revitalizing Spaces and Cultivating Community Hubs
Several new restaurants have not only introduced new dining experiences but have also breathed new life into previously vacant or underutilized commercial spaces, contributing to urban revitalization. Bistro B, for example, transformed the site of the former Five O’Clock Somewhere, which had been vacant for about a decade and a half, into a vibrant new business. The restaurant even repurposed wood from the building’s earlier days to create tables, connecting its new identity with the area’s history.
Beyond simply serving food, many of these new establishments are designed to be community hubs. Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown, expected to open later in 2025 at Myrtle Beach Mall, promises not just food but also bowling and games, creating a high-energy entertainment destination. Similarly, Bohemian Bull Tavern & Beer Garden, which opened at 2859 US-17 Business in Murrells Inlet, took over a former Old Chicago Pizza spot, offering Southern-inspired comfort food alongside an extensive craft beer list in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. These multi-faceted venues encourage social interaction and enhance the community’s recreational options, showing how private enterprise can address broader community needs.
Economic Ripples: Job Creation and Market Confidence
The proliferation of new restaurants in 2025 directly translates into significant job creation across various sectors. Each new eatery requires a workforce, from kitchen staff and servers to management and support personnel. This sustained demand for labor strengthens the local job market, providing opportunities for residents and contributing to overall economic growth in Myrtle Beach.
Furthermore, the sheer volume of these openings reflects a strong market confidence in the Grand Strand region. Investors and business owners are clearly betting on the continued appeal of Myrtle Beach as both a tourist destination and a growing residential area. This confidence encourages further investment and development, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits the entire local economy. The opening of national chains like Chipotle, which added a new location with a drive-thru lane at 8006 N. Kings Highway in Grande Dunes, further validates Myrtle Beach as a desirable market for expansion.
Enhancing Local Life and Attracting Visitors
The expansion of Myrtle Beach’s dining scene significantly enhances the quality of life for its residents, providing more choices for meals, entertainment, and social gatherings. From quick, convenient options like Biggby Coffee, which opened its first Grand Strand location in Aynor, to unique local spots like Salt & Honey Grill, offering Southern staples with a modern twist at 2800 N Kings Highway, the diverse offerings mean there’s something for everyone.
For visitors, this culinary boom bolsters Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier destination, offering an even more compelling reason to explore the region. A vibrant and varied dining scene is a major draw for tourism, which remains a cornerstone of the local economy. The entrepreneurial spirit displayed by these South Carolina entrepreneurs ensures that Myrtle Beach remains competitive and appealing on a broader scale, continually drawing new visitors and supporting the local population.
Conclusion
The year 2025 was a landmark period for the Myrtle Beach dining scene, characterized by remarkable entrepreneurial innovation and substantial private investment. The dozens of new restaurants that opened their doors are a testament to the resilience and vision of local business owners, contributing significantly to Myrtle Beach SC business and job creation. As these establishments continue to thrive, they not only enrich our community’s culinary offerings but also solidify the Grand Strand’s position as a vibrant economic center.
We encourage all residents and visitors to explore and support these new local businesses, recognizing their vital role in our collective economic growth and the continued prosperity of Myrtle Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many new restaurants opened in Myrtle Beach in 2025?
- Dozens of new restaurants opened around the Myrtle Beach area in 2025.
- What kind of dining experiences were introduced in Myrtle Beach in 2025?
- New openings ranged from hole-in-the-wall spots to fine dining establishments, offering a wide variety of options including elevated dining, international flavors, and waterfront locations.
- Can you name some specific restaurants that opened in Myrtle Beach in 2025?
- Notable openings include Bistro B, 357 Raw Coastal Bar, Uptown Bistro & Bakery, Sloppy Jose’s Cantina and Seafood Grill, Lemongrass Vietnamese Pho & Thai Cuisine, Salt & Honey Grill, and new locations for chains like Chipotle.
- Did any new restaurants revitalize older locations?
- Yes, for example, Bistro B opened in the building that previously housed Five O’Clock Somewhere, which had been vacant for about a decade and a half.
- What unique features did some of these new restaurants offer?
- Bistro B includes three on-site pickleball courts for patrons. Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown, expected to open in 2025, plans to include bowling and games.
Key Features of Myrtle Beach’s 2025 Restaurant Openings
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Openings | Dozens of new restaurants across the Grand Strand. |
| Culinary Diversity | Mix of elevated dining, international flavors (e.g., Vietnamese, Indian, Latin), coastal, and casual spots. |
| Entrepreneurial Spirit | New ventures by local owners and established restaurateurs. |
| Revitalization Efforts | Several new businesses occupying and transforming previously vacant commercial spaces. |
| Unique Offerings | Restaurants incorporating recreational activities like pickleball courts (Bistro B) or entertainment (Downtown Flavortown). |
| Geographic Spread | Openings throughout Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, Conway, and Loris. |
| Economic Impact | Job creation, increased private investment, and enhanced appeal for tourism and residents. |
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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.
