Behind the Menu: Inside the new Arts & Innovation District businesses in Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Quite a bit of construction has been underway in downtown Myrtle Beach as part of renovations for the Arts & Innovation District — which means some new restaurants are coming.
From a bakery to an upscale wine bar, southern barbecue and even an ice cream shop, all of it will soon be in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
Anthony DiBernardo, the owner of Swig & Swine, said things are heating up downtown, especially as the weather warms up and high season returns.
“Myrtle Beach is obviously a hot spot,” he said. “The tourist traffic is amazing.”
As businesses have eyes set on Myrtle Beach, the city has a vision it’s sharing with prospects on the revitalization of the entire Arts & Innovation District.
“Once I heard about the story of what this stretch of Broadway Street use to be like and she shared her vision about what she hopes it would be again some day, I immediately agreed to bring Swig & Swine here and help be the anchor for growth here on Broadway street,” DiBernardo said.
The restaurant started in Charleston and continues to expand across the state. Swig & Swine BBQ is one of the first to open in the area, but also nearby and opening last month was Le Manna Bread.
It’s a bakery that is hoping to continue a 75-year tradition by opening up the store in the same location that a former Myrtle Beach bakery once was.
“The community, I mean, people are happy we are here, they love our product and we love people,” said co-owner Gus Penna.
Echoing the same sentiment, Frank Rodriguez explained why they serve big portions — enough for the entire family.
“The people, when they are coming, are normally coming as a family,” he said. “And we are thinking people that receive a big product is happy for the family.”
Happy to receive Le Manna Bread, which translates to “bread from heaven.”
People might think they step inside a museum once they enter the bakery, but the owners say that’s the point — to fit in with the Arts & Innovation District.
As for these businesses goals, community involvement is at the forefront.
“The community to feel like they have a place where they can have delicious product, this is here at Le Manna,” Penna said.
“One thing about our commitment to our communities is we are rooted,” DiBernardo said. “I am a firm believer in the fact that one of the main reasons to the success of our company is our commitment to our communities.”
Also coming to the area soon and opening on 9th Avenue N. is the “Tasting Room on 9th,” which is an upscale wine bar and cocktail lounge. Next door will be the “Dolly Llama Waffle Master” ice cream and dessert shop. On the corner will be “Boteco VIP Latin Bar & Cuisine.”
Le Manna Bread is open seven days a week. As for Swig & Swine BBQ, they’re open Wednesday through Sunday, however come Monday, its doors will also be open seven days a week.
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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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