Closure of Solé Italian Restaurant in Myrtle Beach

News Summary

The Solé Italian Restaurant in Myrtle Beach has closed indefinitely due to the owner’s family health issues, leaving many customers disappointed. Known for its high ratings and popular menu items, the closure raises questions about the future of the establishment. Meanwhile, Jiggy’s Bistro has also announced its impeding closure, citing lack of support as a contributing factor. These closures highlight the challenges facing local restaurants in adapting to changing consumer preferences.

Myrtle Beach – The Solé Italian Restaurant, a fixture on North Kings Highway, has closed its doors indefinitely due to the owner’s family health issues. A notice was posted on the restaurant’s front door on August 5, stating, “Sorry we are closed due to my mother’s illness. Thank you.” Despite a high reputation, with a customer rating of 4.6 stars based on over 1,200 Google reviews, the closure leaves many supporters uncertain about the future of the establishment.

Following the announcement, the interior of Solé was seen being gutted just days later, yet there is no timeline available regarding when it officially ceased operations. The exact status of the restaurant remains unclear, and attempts to contact the owner for further details have been unsuccessful.

Customers have expressed their disappointment over the closure, particularly fond of menu staples like chicken parmesan and vodka penne, which had garnered praise throughout the restaurant’s run. These popular dishes had contributed to the restaurant’s reputation as a beloved dining option in the community.

In a related note, another Italian restaurant in Myrtle Beach, Jiggy’s Bistro, has also announced its impending closure. The owner, Holly DiFrancisco, shared her sorrow over the decision to sell the Bistro, citing a lack of community support and tourist engagement as major factors in the challenging business climate. DiFrancisco remarked that tourists often favor well-known chain restaurants over local dining spots, which further emphasizes the difficulties local eateries like hers face.

After the closure, Jiggy’s Bistro plans to sell off its furniture and continue operations through CIAO Catering, signaling a shift in focus towards catering services rather than a physical restaurant presence. The evolving dining landscape has proven tough for local establishments, as consumer preferences shift towards innovative culinary experiences rather than traditional dining.

According to data compiled from Yelp as of June 25, 2025, a shift has been observed in fine dining trends across the U.S. Consumers are increasingly opting for chefs’ tasting menus and diverse international offerings over the conventional dining experiences. This change in consumer behavior could impact local restaurants reliant on traditional fare and ambiance.

Despite the turmoil faced by individual restaurants, a list of the highest-rated fine dining options in Myrtle Beach highlights the diverse culinary landscape the area offers. Establishments that boast at least five reviews and do not belong to national chains have been included in this evaluation, showcasing a blend of international and local cuisines available to visitors and residents alike.

The closure of Solé Italian Restaurant and the impending shutdown of Jiggy’s Bistro reflect broader challenges facing the local dining scene, emphasizing a difficult balance between maintaining traditional establishments and adapting to shifting culinary trends and consumer behaviors. While the community reflects on the loss of these beloved dining spots, the future remains uncertain as new opportunities may arise in their places.

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Additional Resources

• WBTW: Family-run Italian restaurant celebrates four decades in Myrtle Beach
• Stacker: Highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Myrtle Beach area
• WMBF News: Portofino Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is great authentic Italian fine dining Myrtle Beach
• Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
• Stacker: Highest-rated restaurants in Myrtle Beach

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.