[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Myrtle Beach, S.C. (WPDE) — A state-of-the-art production brewery could be the next big thing to hit the City of Myrtle Beach, but first, city leaders have to make some changes in order for it to happen in the area off Knoles Street.
The name of the brewing company would be called Tidal Creek Brewhouse, which would be located adjacent to the Market Common in a vacant warehouse at 3421 Knoles Street.
However, because the area is considered a light manufacturing zone, city officials have to make a few changes before that production brewery can move in.
“It’s a real possibility that this one could do well here and it would be an economic benefit to the area if its done well. We also want to make sure it’s a good fit for the area,” said City Planner Allison Hardin.
Myrtle Beach entrepreneur, Michael Grossman, has been in the beer brewing industry for over 23 years, and that’s why he is doing whatever he needs to convert an old warehouse into his dream brewhouse.
“With the boom and the growth in this industry, particularly in the state of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach has not shown a presence. So to add in another brewery with the four that currently exist here on the Grand Strand, it just makes sense,” said Grossman.
Myrtle Beach currently has three brew pubs and one production brewery, but where Grossman wants to open isn’t zoned for a production brewery.
“A brew pub would brew the beer on site for consumption on site by the patrons. A brewery will brew on site and some of it will be sold on site for patrons and others will be packaged and sold to retail,” said Hardin.
There are multiple things city officials have to consider before approving any changes to allow the brewery.
“We look for access, parking, area, square footage, are they requesting seats for outside, inside or both, those are the kind of things we look for and the impact to the area around it as to defining it,” said Hardin.
Grossman said he’s sure the the project will have a huge economic impact for the area, with a unique approach to beer brewing.
“Part of the concept does include what’s known as a ‘brew on premise’ where you can actually, you pay a small fee, you get to be guided on the brewing process that you’re doing yourself in a small batch situation, come back like a couple weeks later after the products fermented to package that product and take it home with you,” said Grossman.
In two weeks, there will be a public hearing for the proposed amendment and then city council will need to vote two more times to change the zoning to allow the project to move forward.
Officials said the entire process could take up to eight weeks with construction beginning as early as November, if approved.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
