Black-Owned Businesses in Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach area has been impacted tremendously by the Black history and community, and continues to be influenced today. From our cuisine to our traditions, so much of what we love about this area can be traced back to the history of the region. We are highlighting a few Black owned businesses to celebrate and partake in the diversity of The Beach!

Big Mike’s Soul Food

Big Mike’s is a staple to the Myrtle Beach food scene – most well known for their fried chicken and meat n’ three plates. Michael Chestnut, otherwise known as “Big Mike”, began the restaurant in March of 2012 with his wife, Maxine and three children. Mike learned how to cook with his mother from an early age and always had a dream of sharing that same southern home-cooked food with others. After working in the restaurant industry for several years and attending the culinary program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, he launched his restaurant, located in the heart of Myrtle Beach. You will not leave Big Mike’s hungry – or without a smile on our face. Big Mike’s was recently featured in Southern Living Magazine in a print article titled “Our Favorite Meat N’ Threes”.

The Asher Theatre

The Asher Theatre began as a community-centered entertainment space. The Theatre offers a space for culture and diversity to thrive and performs several different shows throughout the year. These shows include Motown and comedy shows with guest performers. The Asher Theatre also offers student programs for aspiring young performers to learn from one of the founders, James Stephens.

Town Of Atlantic Beach

The town of Atlantic Beach is the only Black owned beaches in the United States, right here along the Grand Strand! Once a booming beach vacation destination for African American families beginning in the 1930s, Atlantic Beach is still referred to as the “Black Pearl”. Each year the town hosts the “Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival” in the spring. Learn more about Atlantic Beach in our blog post. 

Freedom Readers

This non-profit organization is on a mission to increase the literacy and love of reading among school-aged children in Horry County. The program first began in Conway, SC and expanded throughout the Grand Strand communities. Volunteers can help tutor, book donations, and read to the children. This organization is run by Dr. Tracy Bailey, a prominent leader in the nonprofit industry in Myrtle Beach.

Other businesses to check out:

180 Degree Fitness

4036 River Oaks Dr #4, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

B-Nice Creations

534 Broadway St, Suite 106, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578

Dr. Jessica Y. Greene, LPC Counseling

1016 2nd Ave North, Suite 205, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

If you would like to learn more about the African American history of the Grand Strand, read more in our blog post, African American History Steeped in the History of the Grand Strand.