LITTLE RIVER, S.C. — With significant challenges that cut into already narrow profit margins, long-time restaurants, taverns and bars along the Grand Strand are closing their doors permanently. Others are trying to stay afloat, while fighting increased costs, falling sales and outside pressures out of their control.
Recent area closures or announcements of upcoming closures include Greg Norman’s Australian Grille, MOD Pizza, Thorny’s, Magnolia’s at 26th, Anchor Bar and Bar Louie at Broadway at the Beach.
The Star Tavern in Little River is caught in a vortex of challenging issues, along with the expectations of long-time customers who have become accustomed to enjoying live music for free.
Owner Ron Johnson, who opened the business in 2014 to bring together musicians who love to play and patrons who enjoy classic rock, is feeling the economic pressure.
Ron Johnson smiles for a picture outside Star Tavern with Little River.
“With the increased cost of doing business, a lot more competition, and falling sales, I’m hoping we can make it through Christmas,” Johnson said in a recent Facebook post.
More than 200 responders, both locals and tourists who visit The Star while on vacation, have offered suggestions, including closing one day a week, offering karaoke or jazz instead of bands one or two nights a week, offering memberships, renovating the small space or marketing more to tourists.
In the end, Johnson says, “the reality is in the numbers.”
He cites large increases in liability insurance as a major factor in the squeeze on profits. Going forward, he plans to begin a $5 cover charge to help pay bands, whose members often split a small percentage of the night’s sales and meager tip money.
“I hope people trust us and understand what we’re going through as a sole owner,” Johnson said. He said the musicians who play regularly at The Star “do it out of love.” They appreciate that they are listened to. “People need music in their lives,” he said.
