Behind the Menu: New restaurants say what it takes to make it in the business
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — You might have noticed more “hiring now,” “coming soon” and “now open” signs outside dozens of new businesses along the Grand Strand.
“Twenty years ago here on the beach, a lot of people weren’t familiar with different kinds of cuisines, risottos and pork shanks,” said Kevin Levine, a co-owner and executive chef of CK Bistro in The Market Common.
Levine said people are appreciating food more, and it’s important to serve up quality dishes with local ingredients.
“We do everything made fresh to order,” he said. “We don’t pre-make anything, so if there is one person or a full house on an hour wait, the food is literally made for you. So, if you’re allergic to an ingredient, I don’t have to put it in because it’s being made right on the spot.”
Levine was the previous co-owner and executive chef at Scatori’s Pizzeria, which has closed after the business was sold to new owners. Soon, a second River Oaks Pizzeria will occupy that building.
Other new restaurants are coming as well. The Grand Strand is Slim Chicken in Carolina Forest will open soon, and in the Myrtle Beach Arts and Innovation District, Boteco VIP Latin Lounge and the Dolly Llama are joining the downtown neighborhood. The Anchor bar will be opening where Mr. Fish once was.
There have also been a couple of business closings to report, including World of Beer in North Myrtle Beach and the local Red Lobster off Highway 17.
Shaking things up with something different and also bringing variety, new Mediterranean restaurant, Zeytin recently opened in Carolina Forest.
“Everything here is made from scratch,” Cansu Sengul, general manager of Zeytin. This location is an expansion for the owners, who now offer brunch during the week and dinner on the weekends.
“There’s so many breakfast places opening right now, but we offer something that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Alejandra Serrano, the bar manager at Zeytin.
And also now open on the Grand Strand: Big Chill Island House in Barefoot Landing: Voodoo Brewing Co. at Broadway at the Beach; Cantina Imperfecto in the Grand Dunes area; Koi Japanese restaurant in Myrtle Beach; and The Chicken Joint in Socastee.
“There’s so many restaurants they are going to go somewhere else, staying current and consistent that is the key,” Levin said.
Both CK Bistro and Zeytin are nearing the end of their second month of business, and are prepared to take on the summer season.
“If we keep the variety and we keep something different, something people don’t know, then I think that’s going to be outstanding from the rest of them,” Serrano. “It’s something new, and I didn’t have any of this kind of food before working here, and let me tell you, I’m in love.
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Adriana Cotero is News13’s weekend evening anchor and a morning reporter. She joined the team in July 2023 after working in the island of Guam. Adriana is from Saline, Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University. Follow Adriana on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram and read more of her work here.
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