News Summary
North Myrtle Beach bids farewell to two iconic restaurants, Sea Merchants Restaurant and Preston’s Seafood & Country Buffet, marking a significant change in the local dining scene. After decades of service, the closures have left a void in the community as residents reminisce about cherished memories. The owners of both establishments reflect on their iconic legacies while planning future endeavors, as loyal patrons seek new dining options in the area.
Farewell to Iconic Eateries in North Myrtle Beach
The vibrant city of North Myrtle Beach has recently witnessed the closure of two beloved restaurants, marking the end of an era for local dining. After decades of serving happy customers, both the Sea Merchants Restaurant and Preston’s Seafood & Country Buffet have closed their doors for good, leaving many reminiscing about the wonderful memories shared within their walls.
Sea Merchants Restaurant Says Goodbye After 40 Years
For 40 glorious years, Sea Merchants Restaurant, located at 1104 Highway 17 S., was a treasured gem of the North Myrtle Beach dining scene. The restaurant featured a delightful main dining area adorned with a cozy fireplace on the first floor, and an inviting cocktail lounge on the second. Danny and David Huddle, the brothers who opened the restaurant all those years ago, have finally decided it’s time to retire. This transition has been in the works for quite some time, with the brothers pondering retirement for several years. Now, with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement for the future, they embark on “a whole new chapter.”
Last year, the restaurant was placed on the market for over $1.8 million, showcasing a great opportunity for someone to take over such a distinguished establishment. However, the heart and soul of Sea Merchants—its owners—will be missed by all who had the chance to enjoy its delicious seafood offerings.
A Fond Farewell to Preston’s Seafood & Country Buffet
Just as impactful as the closure of Sea Merchants is the departure of Preston’s Seafood & Country Buffet, which has served the community for over 30 years. Jane McMichael, the restaurant’s owner, has stepped back from her role at the age of 83. The loss of a key staff member to cancer last year compounded the challenges she faced in running the bustling eatery alone. Working tirelessly seven days a week during the summer months took a toll that she could no longer bear.
Although the buffet has taken its final bow, the spirit of Preston’s lives on through cherished memories and well-loved dishes. Jane has gratefully thanked her amazing customers—considering them a “one big family”—for their unwavering support throughout the years. In an effort to keep good food alive, her famous sweet potato casserole and collards will still be available at Captain Jack’s, her sister restaurant in North Myrtle Beach.
A New Chapter at Captain Jack’s
The transition at Preston’s also means that the entire staff has made their way over to Captain Jack’s, allowing loyal patrons to continue enjoying their favorite meals. Jane McMichael is planning on stepping into a friendly role as a greeter at Captain Jack’s, while also taking some well-deserved personal time to pursue hobbies like yard work and long, relaxing walks along the beach.
Captain Archie’s Temporarily Shuts Down
In a related note, Captain Archie’s, another beloved establishment in North Myrtle Beach, experienced a slight interruption to its service recently. A small fire, discovered in the attic area, prompted officials to temporarily close the restaurant for repairs. Fortunately, fire officials have noted that the damage was minimal, and repairs are underway. The hope is to reopen by the following Tuesday, much to the relief of loyal patrons who look forward to their next meal.
Moving Forward
The closure of these long-standing restaurants symbolizes a significant change in the local dining landscape. With each restaurant carrying years of memories and experiences, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of sadness. Local residents and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the legacies of Sea Merchants and Preston’s while looking forward to what the future holds for dining options in North Myrtle Beach.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News: Beloved Seafood Restaurant Closing
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach Restaurants News
- AOL News: North Myrtle Beach Pizza Restaurant
- Google Scholar: North Myrtle Beach Restaurants
- K104.7: Japanese Restaurant in Myrtle Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Myrtle Beach Restaurants
- WMBF News: Restaurant Closing Announcement
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Restaurants Closing
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.
