Shuckin' Shack Looks To Expand South Carolina Presence With Growth in Florence

Shuckin' Shack is setting its sights on the Southeast to bring its laid-back oyster bar experience to Myrtle Beach, a prime location with strong local and tourist demand.

Shuckin' Shack, the 18-unit oyster bar franchise celebrated for its vibrant, laid-back atmosphere and quality seafood dining, is actively looking for qualified entrepreneurs to open a new location in the bustling coastal city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With its mix of local seafood lovers and a steady stream of tourists, the city presents the perfect opportunity for Shuckin' Shack's next expansion. As the brand continues to grow across the East Coast, Myrtle Beach stands out as a prime market ready to embrace its fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and welcoming vibe. Here's what makes this franchise opportunity exciting for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Why Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach stands out as an ideal spot for Shuckin' Shack's growth. Famous for its sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions, and millions of annual visitors, the city offers a unique opportunity to tap into both locals and tourists.

"Myrtle Beach captures the essence of what we do best — bringing people together in a fun, coastal vibe where people can enjoy incredible seafood and great drinks," said CEO Jonathan Weathington. "With established success in South Carolina and close ties to our original Carolina Beach location, we know this community is a perfect fit for our brand."

The combination of a growing year-round population and a steady influx of visitors makes Myrtle Beach an attractive market for a seafood franchise. The city's deep appreciation for fresh, local flavors aligns perfectly with Shuckin' Shack's commitment to quality.

A Great Opportunity for Franchise Partners

Shuckin' Shack is seeking enthusiastic entrepreneurs who are ready to bring their love of great food and community to Myrtle Beach. The brand provides robust franchise support, a proven business model, and the flexibility to customize locations to reflect the spirit of the community it serves. The cost to open a Shuckin' Shack franchise ranges from $471,750 to $1,416,420, according to the brand's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document.

Every Shuckin' Shack restaurant is designed to feel like it belongs in its community, giving Franchise Partners the freedom to create a space that speaks to the local vibe. This approach enables Franchise Partners in Myrtle Beach to customize their restaurant's atmosphere and offerings to capture the local charm, ensuring each Shuckin' Shack becomes an integral part of the community it serves.

"We want every Shuckin' Shack to be a true reflection of its neighborhood," said Weathington. "Myrtle Beach has such a unique energy, and we can't wait to see how our future Franchise Partners embrace it."

Myrtle Beach as a Key Market

Shuckin' Shack's plans for Myrtle Beach are part of its larger vision to bring authentic coastal dining experiences to communities across the Southeast. By the end of 2025, the brand aims to open several new locations, with Myrtle Beach playing a pivotal role in its strategy to bring fresh, sustainable seafood dining to coastal communities.

"What sets us apart is our authenticity," said Weathington. "We aren't just another oyster bar; we're a place where guests can get a true taste of the coast. It's about more than just oysters — it's about creating an experience that's fun, welcoming, and consistently high-quality. That's why we stand out in any market."

Learn more about this exciting opportunity and explore Myrtle Beach at this link.

About Shuckin' Shack

Offering a "lifestyle experience," Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar creates an environment that encourages guests to grab a seat, relax, and take their taste buds on a trip to the coast; after all, life is too short for bland drinks and boring bars! The original Carolina Beach, NC Shack, which was just 900-square-feet, was launched in 2007 with a plan to become the go-to local hangout for people of all ages. A place where friends and family can enjoy fresh, delicious meals, cold beer, and craft cocktails in an environment that exudes fun and relaxation, Shuckin' Shack offers exceptional seafood and creative drinks that will make guests question why they ever settled for ordinary bar offerings.

Thanks to its bold flavors and impeccable vibes, Shuckin' Shack has continued to grow. In 2014, the brand began franchising and has since expanded to 18 units across six states. To learn more about Shuckin' Shack, visit the official site.

Shuckin' Shack Looks To Expand South Carolina Presence With Growth in Florence

Shuckin' Shack, the laid-back, family-friendly oyster bar, already has four locations in South Carolina with another opening soon. Now, it's looking to grow more by adding a restaurant in the Florence community. Located on I-95, Florence attracts both locals and travelers, and a new Franchise Partner in the community would benefit from both tourist traffic and the stable local community of over 40,000.

"We see great potential in Florence," said Jonathan Weathington, CEO of Shuckin' Shack. "People in the Carolinas already know our brand, and growing outward like this allows us to leverage brand awareness. It also makes it easier for guests who used to make a drive to visit us."

Florence's population continues to grow, and there's a strong concentration of Millennials and Gen Z in the area driving demand for fresh seafood options. And, while cost of living remains relatively low, the average household income is over $80,000, meaning these groups have ample disposable income for dining out.

Florence itself has a strong potential customer base, but Florence County, with over 137,000 people, makes the opportunity even better. People from all over the county come to Florence for festivals and events, and Shuckin' Shack will blend seamlessly into these community gatherings.

In addition to things like its annual Fresh & Raw Tour, which includes Shacks across the country, the brand encourages Franchise Partners to get involved in the community, partnering with local organizations, hosting live music, and embracing the unique landscape of their specific community.

"Florence is an exciting market," Weathington said. "Its proximity to the coast fosters a strong appreciation for fresh seafood, but even in a community that already has access to an affinity for this kind of dining, we bring something special."

Shuckin' Shack's culture and emphasis on true community integration cultivates an atmosphere where guests feel entirely comfortable. Rather than just another oyster bar in the area, Shuckin' Shack becomes the oyster bar in the area.

The brand has a proven business model and system to help Franchise Partners succeed, but leaders know that making each location unique matters, too. According to Weathington, Shuckin' Shack is looking for a Franchise Partner who will strike a balance between brand consistency and added local touches.

"The key differentiator for Shuckin' Shack, especially in towns with close proximity to a coastline, is the experience we offer in the Shack," he said. "We empower our Franchise Partners to take the lead and build the oyster bar they know their community wants and needs. They win when they're able to create an environment so unique that guests are excited to spend time with them, feel like a true part of the Shuckin' Shack family, and ultimately can't imagine going anywhere else."

The starting investment is $471,750. Learn more about franchise opportunities at this link.