Myrtle Beach, January 17, 2026
Chef Jerrett King is reshaping the culinary landscape of Myrtle Beach with his restaurant O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar. From dreams of basketball to fine dining, King showcases the importance of dedication and innovation in local entrepreneurship. His achievements, including recognition from the Michelin Guide, underscore the potential for Myrtle Beach’s economic growth and cultural evolution through distinguished culinary experiences.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What makes Chef Jerrett King a notable figure in Myrtle Beach’s culinary scene?
Chef Jerrett King, a visionary native of Myrtle Beach and owner of O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar, is notably elevating the city’s culinary profile. His personal dedication and entrepreneurial spirit are transforming the local fine dining landscape.
What significant recognition has O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar received?
Achieved recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide on November 28, 2025, O.A.K Prime became the first restaurant in the Myrtle Beach area to earn this honor. This milestone validates its high standards and unique culinary experience.
How has Chef King’s background influenced his culinary approach?
His background as an aspiring professional basketball player instilled a strong competitive drive and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Chef King now rigorously applies this dedication to innovation and perfection in his cooking.
What broader impact does O.A.K Prime’s success have on Myrtle Beach?
Elevates Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a culinary destination, attracting discerning visitors and stimulating economic growth through increased investment and job creation in the hospitality sector. It diversifies the local economy beyond traditional tourism.
What are the core principles behind O.A.K Prime’s operation?
Operates with a philosophy rooted in unwavering competition and dedication to culinary perfection, combined with a fundamental commitment to its patrons. This customer-centric approach builds lasting relationships and ensures a high-quality dining experience.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Local Visionary Chef Elevates Myrtle Beach’s Culinary Scene
From the basketball court to the kitchen, Chef Jerrett King is carving a new path for fine dining, showcasing the power of personal dedication and entrepreneurial spirit in the heart of the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach is a community where entrepreneurial spirit and personal drive consistently forge new paths to success. In a testament to this enduring local character, one individual is significantly raising the city’s profile in the culinary world. Chef Jerrett King, a native of Myrtle Beach, has transformed his childhood dream of a basketball career into a remarkable journey as a culinary innovator, bringing national attention and elevated standards to the local dining landscape. This narrative highlights how individual ambition, coupled with a commitment to excellence, can profoundly contribute to Myrtle Beach’s economic growth and cultural richness.
The success story of Chef King and his establishment, O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar, underscores the vibrancy of South Carolina entrepreneurs. His journey from an aspiring athlete to a celebrated chef exemplifies the resilience and adaptability often found within the small business sector. Such personal achievements not only bring prestige but also stimulate local economies by attracting visitors and encouraging further investment in quality establishments, demonstrating the powerful role of individual vision in community development.
The Genesis of a Culinary Vision: O.A.K Prime
Born and raised in Myrtle Beach, Jerrett King initially harbored aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player. This competitive drive and desire for excellence, honed on the court, were seamlessly transferred to the kitchen. His talent began to garner significant attention sometime in 2025, laying the groundwork for what would become O.A.K. (One of a Kind) Prime Restaurant & Bar. This establishment embodies King’s dedication to fine dining, bringing a sophisticated culinary experience to the Myrtle Beach community. The commitment to crafting a unique and high-quality dining experience reflects the core values of successful Myrtle Beach small business ventures.
A Milestone for Local Cuisine: Michelin Guide Recognition
A significant highlight for both Chef King and the Myrtle Beach culinary scene occurred on November 28, 2025, when O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar became the first restaurant in the area to receive recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide. This acknowledgment is not merely a personal triumph for Chef King but a substantial validation of Myrtle Beach’s growing stature as a culinary destination. Such recognition often attracts a new echelon of diners and culinary enthusiasts, contributing to increased tourism and spending, which directly supports the broader Myrtle Beach SC business ecosystem. It signals a maturation of the local dining landscape, encouraging other establishments to strive for similar levels of excellence.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Customer Focus
Chef King’s approach to his craft is deeply rooted in a philosophy of unwavering competition and dedication. He has stated that his basketball background instilled in him a desire to execute every task to the best of his ability, a principle he now applies rigorously to cooking. This competitive spirit drives innovation and a relentless pursuit of perfection in the kitchen. Beyond the technical aspects of fine dining, O.A.K Prime operates with a fundamental commitment to its patrons, exemplified by the sentiment, “we care about our customers.” This customer-centric approach is a hallmark of resilient small businesses that prioritize community engagement and build lasting relationships with their clientele.
Broader Economic Implications for Myrtle Beach
The success of O.A.K Prime and the Michelin Guide recognition extend beyond the restaurant itself, contributing significantly to the overall economic vitality of Myrtle Beach. This kind of high-profile achievement helps diversify the local economy, moving beyond traditional tourism to establish a reputation for culinary excellence. It encourages private investment in other innovative ventures and creates new job opportunities within the hospitality sector. The visibility gained through such accolades can draw attention from broader media platforms and food critics, further enhancing Myrtle Beach’s appeal and attracting discerning visitors who seek out unique and high-quality experiences. This organic growth, driven by individual initiative and market recognition, showcases the powerful impact of local innovation on regional prosperity.
Key Features: Chef Jerrett King & O.A.K Prime
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Chef Jerrett King | Local |
| Restaurant | O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar | Local |
| Background | Former basketball player, born and raised in Myrtle Beach | Local |
| Achievement | First restaurant in area to be Michelin Guide recognized (November 28, 2025) | Local |
| Entrepreneurial Trait | Competitive spirit, dedication to excellence, customer care | Nationwide |
| Impact | Elevating Myrtle Beach’s culinary profile, fostering economic growth | Local |
Conclusion
Chef Jerrett King’s journey from the basketball court to the forefront of Myrtle Beach’s culinary scene is a powerful narrative of ambition, talent, and dedication. O.A.K Prime Kitchen and Bar stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial success, demonstrating how a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction can lead to significant achievements, including the highly coveted Michelin Guide recognition. This success not only elevates the profile of one establishment but also enriches the entire Myrtle Beach SC business community, inspiring other South Carolina entrepreneurs to pursue their visions. Supporting local businesses like O.A.K Prime is crucial for nurturing the economic growth and vibrant community spirit that define Myrtle Beach.
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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.
