Myrtle Beach, SC, February 16, 2026
Myrtle Beach SC continues to attract entrepreneurial spirit with numerous new dining options and entertainment venues. National brands like Raising Cane’s and Whataburger are looking to expand, while local businesses such as Honey Barrel Breakfast and Grill and Santorini Greek Kuzina are redefining the local culinary scene. This growth reflects a confident economic climate with job creation and community engagement at the forefront.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What new restaurants and entertainment venues are opening in Myrtle Beach?
Discover a variety of new establishments, including local dining spots like Santorini Greek Kuzina (opened March 2025) and the upcoming Honey Barrel Breakfast and Grill (aiming for October 2025), alongside entertainment venues such as End Zone Sports Bar & Grill and PopStroke (opened March 2024). These additions enhance the Grand Strand’s diverse culinary and entertainment scene.
Are any national restaurant chains expanding into the Myrtle Beach area?
Yes, national brands are showing significant interest; Raising Cane’s is considering a location, and Whataburger is expanding across South Carolina, with its first state location opening in Boiling Springs in July 2024. These expansions highlight the market’s appeal for established businesses.
What types of local businesses are contributing to Myrtle Beach’s growth?
Local entrepreneurs are launching diverse ventures, including family-owned restaurants like Honey Barrel Breakfast and Grill, authentic international cuisine at Santorini Greek Kuzina, and new sports bars such as End Zone Sports Bar & Grill. These small businesses offer unique experiences and create local jobs.
How is redevelopment impacting the business landscape in the Grand Strand?
Redevelopment projects are transforming older sites, such as a former restaurant on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach into a new two-story dining establishment, and the former Preston Seafood & Country Buffet site was sold for future development in early 2025. These initiatives revitalize prime locations and foster new economic activity.
What does the future look like for new businesses in Myrtle Beach?
Anticipate continued growth with exciting future openings like Alley Oops in 2026 and Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Co., also expected in Spring 2026, which are set to further diversify dining and entertainment options. This ongoing investment signals a thriving economy and vibrant future for the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The Grand Strand’s vibrant culinary and entertainment landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit and sustained economic growth defining the region. Local innovators and established brands are investing in new ventures and revitalizing existing spaces, signaling a robust environment for Myrtle Beach SC business and a commitment to enriching community offerings.
This dynamic period highlights the resilience and ambition of South Carolina entrepreneurs who are bringing diverse dining options and entertainment venues to residents and visitors alike. The continuous flow of private investment into new establishments contributes significantly to local job creation and demonstrates confidence in the area’s economic future.
National Brands Eye Grand Strand Expansion
The Grand Strand remains an attractive location for national restaurant chains. Raising Cane’s, a popular fast-food chain specializing in chicken fingers, is considering plans for a possible restaurant in Myrtle Beach. The company has existing locations in South Carolina, with three in the Charleston area and one in Clemson, and is also expanding into other parts of the state. This potential addition underscores the appeal of the Myrtle Beach market for established brands seeking to expand their footprint.
Whataburger, a Texas-based burger chain, is also expanding its presence in South Carolina. While specific Myrtle Beach locations for 2024 or 2025 have not been explicitly detailed in recent announcements, the company opened its first South Carolina restaurant in Boiling Springs in July 2024. Several other Whataburger locations are also planned across the state through 2025, demonstrating a broader statewide expansion. The interest from such prominent national names indicates a healthy climate for new business ventures, often benefiting from streamlined regulatory processes that encourage investment and development.
Local Innovation and New Dining Experiences
Beyond national brands, local entrepreneurs are driving significant innovation within the Myrtle Beach small business scene. Honey Barrel Breakfast and Grill is preparing to open in North Myrtle Beach, located in the Lowes shopping complex near 2nd Avenue North. This family-owned restaurant is set to bring Southern-inspired flavors, offering hearty breakfasts and tender steaks, aiming for an October opening. Such establishments not only offer unique dining experiences but also create jobs and foster a stronger sense of community identity.
Myrtle Beach also welcomed Santorini Greek Kuzina, which opened in March 2025 at 7223 N. Kings Highway. This new Greek restaurant, launched by Lav and Kristina Hysa, offers authentic dishes inspired by the Greek island, with many ingredients imported directly from Greece. It has quickly become a notable addition to the local dining scene, providing a distinct international flavor.
Expanding Entertainment and Social Hubs
The region’s hospitality sector is also seeing growth in entertainment-focused dining. A new sports bar, End Zone Sports Bar & Grill, is set to open in the Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach at 3521 Belle Terre Boulevard, taking over a former establishment. This venture, led by local entrepreneur Adam Carroll, promises sports, games, and a new food menu following extensive renovations. Another recently opened sports bar is NZone Sports Bar, located off Highway 501 in the Forestbrook area. Additionally, PopStroke, which opened in March 2024 at Broadway at the Beach, integrates mini-golf with a sophisticated sports bar setting, offering a unique blend of dining and entertainment.
These new social hubs contribute to the overall appeal of Myrtle Beach as a destination, enhancing both visitor experiences and local quality of life. They exemplify how diverse private investments can cater to various community interests, from casual dining to active entertainment.
Redevelopment and Future Prospects
The Grand Strand is also witnessing significant redevelopment projects, transforming older sites into new opportunities. In North Myrtle Beach, a closed restaurant is undergoing redevelopment, with plans for a new two-story restaurant as part of a larger two-story development on Main Street. Separately, the site of the former Preston Seafood and Country Buffet in North Myrtle Beach was sold for redevelopment in early 2025, though specific future plans are yet to be fully disclosed. These redevelopments reflect continuous private sector interest in revitalizing prime locations, leading to renewed economic activity and fresh opportunities for Midlands economic growth.
Other recent openings in 2025 further illustrate the diverse growth. These include 357 Raw Coastal Bar along the Intracoastal Waterway, Bohemian Bull Tavern & Beer Garden in Murrells Inlet, Boteco VIP Latin Bar & Cuisine in downtown Myrtle Beach, and Cape Fear Seafood Company in North Myrtle Beach, among others. These diverse additions demonstrate the flourishing environment for new businesses across various culinary segments.
Key Restaurant Developments in Myrtle Beach and Surrounding Areas
| Restaurant Name | Location | Status/Details | Projected Opening/Opened | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini Greek Kuzina | Myrtle Beach (7223 N. Kings Highway) | New Greek restaurant offering authentic dishes. | Opened March 2025 | Local |
| Honey Barrel Breakfast and Grill | North Myrtle Beach (228 Hwy. 17 N.) | Family-owned Southern-inspired breakfast and dinner. | Aiming for October 2025 | Local |
| End Zone Sports Bar & Grill | Carolina Forest (Myrtle Beach area, 3521 Belle Terre Blvd) | New sports bar with games and food, taking over former Champs Bar & Grill. | Grand opening date to be announced | Local |
| NZone Sports Bar | Forestbrook area (off Highway 501) | Recently opened sports bar. | Opened | Local |
| PopStroke | Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach | Mini-golf and entertainment venue with a sports bar setting. | Opened March 2024 | National/Local Franchise |
| Raising Cane’s | Myrtle Beach, SC | Considering plans for a possible restaurant. | Possible future opening | National |
| Whataburger | South Carolina (various locations, e.g., Boiling Springs) | Expanding across South Carolina; first location opened in Boiling Springs. | First SC location opened July 2024; more planned through 2025 | State-level (Nationwide company) |
| Main Street Redevelopment Restaurant | North Myrtle Beach (Main Street) | Two-story restaurant as part of a larger development. | Planned | Local |
| Former Preston Seafood & Country Buffet Site | North Myrtle Beach | Site sold for redevelopment; specific plans for new business unclear. | Under redevelopment (site sold Feb 2025) | Local |
| 357 Raw Coastal Bar | Myrtle Beach (8205 Marina Pkwy) | Coastal bar with raw seafood and gourmet dishes. | Opened 2025 | Local |
| Bohemian Bull Tavern & Beer Garden | Murrells Inlet (2859 US-17 Business) | Southern-inspired comfort food and extensive craft beer. | Opened 2025 | Local |
| Boteco VIP Latin Bar & Cuisine | Myrtle Beach (503 9th Ave N) | Authentic Brazilian flavors and Latin-inspired cuisine. | Opened 2025 | Local |
| Cape Fear Seafood Company | North Myrtle Beach (1010 Hwy 17 N) | Fresh, Southern-inspired seafood. | Opened 2025 | Local Franchise |
| Salt & Honey Grill | Myrtle Beach (2800 N Kings Hwy) | Chic brunch spot with inventive dishes. | Opened June 2025 | Local |
| Uptown Bistro & Bakery | Myrtle Beach (7710 North Kings Highway) | Upscale dining with handcrafted pastries and gourmet options. | Opened 2025 | Local |
| CK Bistro | The Market Common, Myrtle Beach | Fine dining with diverse, creative dishes and live music. | Opened late Spring 2025 | Local |
| Alley Oops | North Myrtle Beach (3607 Hwy 17 S) | “Dine. Bowl. Play.” concept with food, bowling, and arcade. | Set to open 2026 | National/Local Franchise |
| Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Co. | Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach | Southern-inspired food, craft beer, and moonshine. | Expected opening Spring 2026 | National/Local Franchise |
A Future Built on Enterprise
The continuous emergence of new dining and entertainment establishments in Myrtle Beach and its surrounding communities underscores a thriving local economy. The commitment of local entrepreneurs and the strategic expansion of national brands collectively contribute to the region’s appeal and vitality. This positive trend reflects an environment where innovation and private investment can flourish, leading to a wider array of choices for consumers and steady growth for local businesses.
We encourage our readers to explore these new and upcoming venues, support Myrtle Beach small business, and stay engaged with the ongoing developments shaping our vibrant community. Your patronage helps fuel this incredible momentum and ensures the continued prosperity of the Grand Strand’s diverse economic landscape.
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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.
