Myrtle Beach, December 29, 2025
The restaurant landscape in Myrtle Beach has undergone significant shifts, with several establishments closing their doors in response to evolving market conditions. Notable closures include Anchor Bar, Bagel Dock Express, and Bar Louie, which reflect the challenges within the hospitality industry. Despite these closures, the local economy continues to thrive, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and diversification beyond tourism. New ventures are emerging, showcasing resilience and innovation in the Myrtle Beach business community.
Myrtle Beach Navigates Restaurant Closures Amidst Vibrant Economic Evolution
Myrtle Beach, a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit, has seen its restaurant landscape undergo shifts in 2025. While some establishments have concluded their operations, the resilient fabric of the local economy continues to foster innovation and growth, highlighting the dynamic nature of a thriving market.
The culinary scene in Myrtle Beach is a testament to the dedication of local entrepreneurs, constantly adapting to consumer preferences and market demands. The past year has brought both challenges and opportunities, underscoring the importance of adaptability and strategic business planning in a competitive environment.
The Shifting Sands of the Grand Strand’s Culinary Scene
In 2025, several notable restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area have closed their doors. Among them are Anchor Bar, Bagel Dock Express, Bar Louie, and Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli. These closures reflect a broader trend where businesses face various pressures, from financial issues to evolving consumer behaviors and operational complexities.
The reasons behind these decisions are multifaceted, often stemming from unique circumstances for each business. While some closures are due to the conclusion of lease agreements or a strategic refocus by ownership, others highlight the ongoing challenges within the hospitality sector. Despite these changes, the entrepreneurial spirit in Myrtle Beach remains strong, with a continuous flow of new ventures and adaptations.
Spotlight on Individual Business Journeys
Anchor Bar’s Decision
Anchor Bar in Myrtle Beach, known for its Buffalo wings, ceased operations in August 2025. The restaurant, which had been in business for about a year, notified the state of its closure and the layoff of 29 employees. The decision to close was linked to the non-renewal of its liquor license.
Bagel Dock Express’s North Myrtle Beach Departure
The North Myrtle Beach location of Bagel Dock Express closed its doors in January 2025 without a public explanation for the closure. This establishment is now listed as permanently closed on Google, and the storefront was observed to be for rent. While this specific location is no longer operational, the Bagel Dock Express chain continues to maintain two locations in North Carolina and has plans for expansion into Georgia and Tennessee.
Bar Louie’s National Restructuring Impacts Myrtle Beach
Bar Louie at Broadway at the Beach also concluded its operations in Myrtle Beach in 2025. This closure was part of a larger national trend for the chain, as its franchise, BLH TopCo LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware in March 2025. The company cited financial and operational challenges, including inflationary pressures that led consumers to reduce dining out, alongside increased costs for food, utilities, and labor. The Broadway at the Beach location opened in 2019, with the closest remaining Bar Louie now located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli: A Downtown Legacy Ends
Long-standing downtown Myrtle Beach establishments, Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli, closed in August 2025. Bumstead’s Pub had served the community for approximately 22 years, while Dagwood’s Deli had a history of about 37 years at that location. The owners announced the closure to focus on catering and future concepts at their other locations. The Dagwood’s Deli locations in North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach remain open.
Understanding the Broader Economic Landscape
While individual business decisions play a significant role in closures, the broader economic climate in Myrtle Beach remains robust and dynamic. The city continues to be recognized as a hub for small businesses and innovation, driven by a supportive entrepreneurial culture. Myrtle Beach’s economy is diversifying beyond tourism, attracting startups in various sectors. Strategic development plans and private investments are bolstering this trend, positioning Myrtle Beach as a top destination for business relocation.
The Myrtle Beach metropolitan area is recognized for its growth, attracting new residents and businesses. This sustained influx of new residents and a strategic focus on fostering a pro-business climate contribute to a vibrant economy. Efforts by organizations like the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC) focus on attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, fostering job creation and investment. This environment underscores the resilience and adaptive capacity of Myrtle Beach SC business and Myrtle Beach small business owners.
Community Insights and Future Outlook
The entrepreneurial determination prevalent among Myrtle Beach small business owners is a testament to the benefits of a supportive local ecosystem. Initiatives that streamline processes and potentially reduce regulatory burdens could further empower entrepreneurs, enabling them to navigate market shifts more effectively. The ability for new businesses to quickly occupy former locations, as seen in other instances where new concepts replace closed establishments, indicates a healthy demand and ongoing opportunities within the local market.
As Myrtle Beach continues its trajectory of economic growth and diversification, the community plays a crucial role in supporting local enterprises. The spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs is evident in the constant evolution of the local business scene, ensuring that Myrtle Beach remains a place of opportunity and innovation. The city’s focus on nurturing local enterprises demonstrates resilience amidst economic shifts, enriching both the community and its economy.
Conclusion
The year 2025 brought changes to the Myrtle Beach restaurant scene, with the closure of several establishments reflecting the ongoing challenges and constant evolution inherent in the competitive hospitality industry. While the community bids farewell to cherished local spots and national chains, these shifts also underscore the inherent dynamism and resilience of the local economy. Myrtle Beach remains a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial innovation and private investment, with a supportive environment continually fostering new business growth and community development. We encourage our readers to continue championing the diverse array of local businesses that define the unique character and sustained economic growth of our beloved Grand Strand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrtle Beach Restaurant Closures in 2025
- What restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC, closed in 2025?
- Several restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area closed in 2025, including Anchor Bar, Bagel Dock Express, Bar Louie, and Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli.
- Why did Anchor Bar close in Myrtle Beach?
- Anchor Bar in Myrtle Beach closed in August 2025, with the decision linked to the non-renewal of its liquor license.
- What was the reason for Bagel Dock Express closing in North Myrtle Beach?
- The North Myrtle Beach location of Bagel Dock Express ceased operations in January 2025 without a public explanation for the closure, and the storefront was listed for rent.
- Why did Bar Louie close its Broadway at the Beach location?
- Bar Louie at Broadway at the Beach closed as part of a national restructuring, following its franchise, BLH TopCo LLC, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025.
- What led to the closure of Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli in downtown Myrtle Beach?
- Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli in downtown Myrtle Beach closed in August 2025 after many years of operation, with the owners deciding to focus on catering and future concepts at their other locations.
- Does the closure of these restaurants indicate a decline in the Myrtle Beach economy?
- No, while some restaurants closed, the broader economic climate in Myrtle Beach remains robust, with the city recognized as a hub for small businesses and innovation, attracting new residents and businesses, and experiencing economic growth.
Key Features of Myrtle Beach’s Economic and Restaurant Landscape in 2025
| Feature | Description | Relevance to Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Closures | Several establishments, including Anchor Bar, Bagel Dock Express, Bar Louie, and Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli, ceased operations. | Reflects the dynamic and competitive nature of the local hospitality industry. |
| Reasons for Closures | Varied, including non-renewal of liquor licenses, unstated reasons, national franchise bankruptcy, and strategic decisions by owners to refocus. | Highlights diverse challenges faced by individual businesses in the market. |
| Economic Growth | Myrtle Beach is recognized as a hub for small businesses and innovation, with a diversifying economy and attracting new residents and businesses. | Indicates a resilient and expanding local economy despite individual business closures. |
| Entrepreneurial Spirit | A strong entrepreneurial culture and strategic local initiatives are fueling growth and resilience among small businesses. | Demonstrates the adaptive capacity of Myrtle Beach SC business owners. |
| Community Support | The community plays a crucial role in supporting local enterprises and contributing to sustained economic vitality. | Emphasizes the importance of local patronage in a healthy market. |
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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.
