It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Atalaya Castle gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Murrells Inlet, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Morse Park Landing with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Drunken Jack's Restaurant & Lounge or visit The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Murrells Inlet, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Murrells Inlet, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Murrells Inlet, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Widow Angela Anthony and widower Eric Richter met in a New Jersey grief support group four years ago. Now partners in business and love, the engaged couple aims to bring what Richter calls a “true sports bar” down to Murrells Inlet.Gator Zone Sports Bar & Grille recently opened with a full kitchen and bar, more than 20 draft beers and more than 30 TVs at 3453 Highway 17 Business in Murrells Inlet.“Her parents...
Widow Angela Anthony and widower Eric Richter met in a New Jersey grief support group four years ago. Now partners in business and love, the engaged couple aims to bring what Richter calls a “true sports bar” down to Murrells Inlet.
Gator Zone Sports Bar & Grille recently opened with a full kitchen and bar, more than 20 draft beers and more than 30 TVs at 3453 Highway 17 Business in Murrells Inlet.
“Her parents owned a diner in Patterson, New Jersey, for almost 44 years, so [Angela] comes from the service industry,” Richter said. “And I just always had an itch, so to speak, to possibly own a bar, restaurant or combination of both.”
Originally from New Jersey, Anthony and Richter live in Murrells Inlet and took inspiration from the reptilian inhabitants of South Carolina swamps.
“There’s alligators all over the place, and as a matter of fact, I have pictures here at my home where they’re crossing right across my front lawn, because of the way the ponds are and everything in the community here,” Richter said. “You really can’t go anywhere around here without seeing an alligator at some point.”
Located between Beaver Bar and Suck Bang Blow, Gator Zone also has an irreverent mascot to match its neighbors: Master Gator. The sunglasses-wearing reptile appearing on Gator Zone’s logo will “be plastered everywhere,” according to Anthony.
Richter first began toying with the idea for a local spot called The Master Gator years back. While plans for the restaurant’s name changed, Master Gator has evolved into one of Anthony’s nicknames for Richter.
“With all the hard work he’s put in and his vision coming to life, the name suits him perfectly,” Anthony said.
Gator Zone offers pub favorites like burgers, pizzas, wings and more, as well as a full bar. In addition to liquor and signature cocktails like the “swamp water” and the “mighty gator,” the bar has 24 draft options, including beers, hard cider and even prosecco.
“We’re all about putting the local beer, whether we have Grand Strand, whether we have Southern Hops, whether we have Tidal Creek,” Anthony said. “I mean, we want to support the locals as well, so we’re trying to do everything we can out of the business to support the locals.”
From 4 - 7 p.m. everyday, customers can enjoy happy hour specials including $2 off appetizers, which Gator Zone calls warm-ups, $1.50 off drafts and $1 off wines and cocktails.
For sports fans who don’t want to miss a play, Gator Zone is equipped with more than 30 TVs to broadcast games from the NFL, MLB, NHL and more.
“There really isn’t anywhere you’ll be in the building where you won’t be able to see what you’re looking for when it comes to sports,” Richter said.
If watching sports isn’t your thing, Gator Zone will feature video games and even a golf simulator in a private room, which Richter estimates will be available next month.
The restaurant will also host various social events, like trivia, karaoke, bingo and live music.
Whether you want to socialize, catch a game or just grab a bite to eat, Anthony and Richter say they’re excited to welcome visitors seven days a week.
Gator Zone is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“The support from everyone, I mean, just walking on the MarshWalk and just talking to people about it, they’re very excited as well, so that gives us the energy and excitement,” said Anthony. “It’s a little bit of nerves, but it’s also a lot of excitement, so just talking to everyone makes me feel better, because everybody supports everyone here, which I truly, truly love about the area.”
MS
The Sun News
Maria Elena Scott writes about trending topics and what you need to know in the Grand Strand. She studied journalism at the University of Houston and covered Cleveland news before coming to the Palmetto State.
Myrtle Beach, SC, February 20, 2025 --(PR.com)-- Coleman Reich, a former college athlete and avid fisherman, is excited to announce the launch of Rooster Tail Charters, a new charter boat company in Murrells Inlet, SC. This venture marks a significant step in Coleman's journey from the football field to the open waters, where he aims to provide exceptional fishing experiences for clients.Growing up in Wallburg, NC, Coleman developed a deep love for fishing, starting wit...
Myrtle Beach, SC, February 20, 2025 --(PR.com)-- Coleman Reich, a former college athlete and avid fisherman, is excited to announce the launch of Rooster Tail Charters, a new charter boat company in Murrells Inlet, SC. This venture marks a significant step in Coleman's journey from the football field to the open waters, where he aims to provide exceptional fishing experiences for clients.
Growing up in Wallburg, NC, Coleman developed a deep love for fishing, starting with surf fishing trips alongside his grandfather. His passion for the sport was further fueled by small charter trips with his father, where they caught Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, and Trout. Despite his athletic career, which included a full scholarship to Coastal Carolina University where he played football from 2018 to 2022, Coleman's true calling was always the water.
After graduating in 2022, Coleman pursued his dream of becoming a captain. He earned his OUPV Captain's License in January 2023 and has since honed his skills as a Captain with Outlaw Fishing Charters in Murrells Inlet, working alongside other experienced captains. With a competitive spirit forged on the football field, Coleman is ready to bring that same drive to the water, ensuring top-notch fishing experiences for his clients.
Murrells Inlet, known for its rich fishing grounds and scenic beauty, is the perfect setting for Rooster Tail Charters. Coleman's background in sports and his recent experience in the fishing industry position his to offer unique and memorable fishing trips. Rooster Tail Charters is poised to become a leading choice for fishing enthusiasts in the area, combining Colemans passion for fishing with his commitment to excellence.
About Rooster Tail Charters LLC
Rooster Tail Charters will be a leading provider of premium charter boat services in and around Murrells Inlet, SC, offering 1/2 day, full day and scenic charters. The 23' Key West boat nicknamed the "Rooster" provides up to 6 anglers an expert fishing experience whether in-shore or near shore. They fish for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Flounder, King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel among others. Rooster Tail Charters is located on the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet, SC, behind the restaurant J. Peters Grill & Bar. Visit the company's Facebook and Instagram sites for up to date information. Bookings can be made via www.roostertailcharters.com or by calling 1-833-4-Rooster.
Rooster Tail Charters LLCColeman Reich833-476-6783www.roostertailcharters.com
MURRELLS INLET — Angela Anthony and Eric Richter have both been widowed, but they've found love again— in each other and in their shared dream of opening a sports bar.Gator Zone Sports Bar and Grille emerged from the couple’s desire to bring a bar to Murrells Inlet that offered the same atmosphere as those found in the couple's home...
MURRELLS INLET — Angela Anthony and Eric Richter have both been widowed, but they've found love again— in each other and in their shared dream of opening a sports bar.
Gator Zone Sports Bar and Grille emerged from the couple’s desire to bring a bar to Murrells Inlet that offered the same atmosphere as those found in the couple's home state of New Jersey.
"We just weren't getting that vibe of a true sports bar," Richter said.
They hope Gator Zone, which opens Feb. 22, will fill the void.
Finding a space big enough for the open layout they envisioned was a challenge, Richter said. They wanted a free-standing building rather than a space in a strip mall. Eventually, they found a match in the former home of Voodoo Brewing.
The size and layout of the bar have allowed for 30 televisions, a golf simulator room, video darts and Golden Tee, a golf arcade game. It will offer multiple sports streaming packages to satisfy almost every type of fan, Richter said.
Customers can stand practically anywhere in the bar and still watch their desired sports event, he said. Plus, each room will have an individual audio source, allowing the sound from one TV to be broadcast into any of the rooms.
"We're trying to appeal to everybody who has sports in their blood," he said.
Gator Zone will also have an expansive food and drink menu. Anthony’s family has been in the restaurant industry for 40 years, and she’s spent a lot of time in kitchens. At 10 years old, she started washing dishes and peeling potatoes.
"Learning the true meaning of hard work," she said.
The restaurant will serve bar favorites such as pub pretzels, nachos and chicken wings, as well as a variety of burgers, sandwiches, seafood dishes, salads, desserts and numerous pizza options.
Richter said they have connections with pizzerias that have helped them create pies close to those found in the Garden State.
"It's tough to duplicate, but we're hopeful that we have the right people and we're using the right ingredients to make it memorable," he said.
Although the restaurant concept draws inspiration from their home state, they knew they wanted to honor Murrells Inlet by naming the bar after one of the area’s iconic reptiles.
Initially, they considered calling the bar “Master Gator” but decided against it. Instead, Master Gator has become a nickname for Richter.
"He’s the master gator because his creativity has been shining through this whole process … so that’s me telling Eric his work is shining," Anthony said.
It’s also the name of one of Gator Zone’s cocktails. It contains Malibu rum, pineapple juice and Blue Curacao.
Gator Zone will have eight additional cocktails, six wine options and 24 beer taps. A dozen taps are reserved for the most popular domestic beers and about a dozen more are for local beers from Grand Strand Brewing, New South Brewing, Tidal Creek and others.
Richter said there’s a natural anxiety that comes with opening a new restaurant, but he hopes customers will feel at home there.
“We're hoping that we have just a little bit of a uniqueness to us where, you know … they put us on their social calendar for one of their favorite places to go,” he said.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) - The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert on Friday that is effective until further notice.SCFC says the alert discourages people from burning outdoors due to the elevated risk of wildfire from weather conditions.“In addition to dry fuels resulting from the lack of significant rain, forecasts are calling for very low relative humidity values – below 30% – and gusty winds across much of the state through the weekend," a statement read from the com...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) - The South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert on Friday that is effective until further notice.
SCFC says the alert discourages people from burning outdoors due to the elevated risk of wildfire from weather conditions.
“In addition to dry fuels resulting from the lack of significant rain, forecasts are calling for very low relative humidity values – below 30% – and gusty winds across much of the state through the weekend," a statement read from the commission.
According to the commission, a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, but it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires.
Several bans were instated across Horry and Georgetown counties on Thursday, as crews battled several fires.
“Much of it’s unavoidable, but a lot of it is human caused, and a lot of that human cause involves carelessness. That’s why, you know, our message is, you know, when the weather’s like it is right now...wind, low relative humidity, and dry....we just ask people to postpone their burning,” said Doug Wood, Director of Communications for SCFC.
One area that’s no stranger to wildfires, or burn bans-- the north strand, which took a hit during the Highway 31 fire back in 2009.
“Once it burned through the Barefoot community, it continued right back into the wooded areas. It impacted the unincorporated parts of Horry County, so that was something that we dealt with for a couple weeks off and on,” said Billy Floyd, chief of the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department.
Floyd told WMBF News after that devastating fire, the Barefoot area has become a ‘fire wise’ community, where residents have to follow a list of regulations.
The city of North Myrtle Beach also bans most types of outdoor burning, but Floyd said even in places with less strict burn bans, residents should still be cautious.
“Just because the burning may be allowed, you really need to make sure that the weather is appropriate before you go out and do things like that, so we don’t run into these situations that we’ve seen happen in Horry and Georgetown these weeks, where the fires are getting out of control real quickly,” said Floyd.
Wood said SCFC is a proponent of controlled burns, and doesn’t want to call a burn ban, but if risky conditions persist, they may have no other choice.
“The dangerous conditions we’re going to see over the next few days make a good portion of the state vulnerable to fires that can spread rapidly and be difficult to control,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “These kinds of spring weather patterns are what make this time of year the traditional peak of our wildfire season.”
To check local restrictions, residents can contact their local fire departments.
The agency statement says SCFC firefighters responded to 183 wildfires in January alone, nearly double its five-year average for the first month of the year. The agency has already recorded more than 300 wildfires in February, and more than 100 in the state’s coastal region alone.
Stay with WMBF News for updates.
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MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WPDE) — Peter Frank, 23, a solo canoeist who is currently traversing the 6000-mile "Great Loop" by canoe, stopped in the Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet Friday.His entire journey will take him from his starting point in Michigan, through the Great Lakes to the Erie Canal, down the Hudson River to New York, and then south along the Eastern Seaboard until he reaches Florida. After reaching the southernmost part of the loop, Frank will head north along the Gulf Coast, north to the Tennessee-Tomb...
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WPDE) — Peter Frank, 23, a solo canoeist who is currently traversing the 6000-mile "Great Loop" by canoe, stopped in the Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet Friday.
His entire journey will take him from his starting point in Michigan, through the Great Lakes to the Erie Canal, down the Hudson River to New York, and then south along the Eastern Seaboard until he reaches Florida. After reaching the southernmost part of the loop, Frank will head north along the Gulf Coast, north to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway where he will connect with the Mississippi River, and travel the final leg of his journey to his home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Frank's 16-month canoe trip began last June and is expected to end next January. This exact journey has only been completed one other time by expeditioner Verlen Kruger and his son in 1980.
Frank said he credits his passion for adventure to a tragedy he experienced in his youth.
After being struck by a vehicle at 14, he shattered two vertebrates in his spine and spent two years relearning how to walk.
Once he was back on his feet, Frank's lust for adventure took over.
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When he was 19, he sold everything he had, bought a unicycle, and unicycled across America raising over $34000 for a charity that helped his family when he was hospitalized.
Then, in 2022, Frank canoed the entire length of the Mississippi River, and from Louisiana, he biked 700 miles to Florida where he purchased "The Loon," his current canoe 46-year-old canoe designed by legendary Kruger himself.
"The Loon" is the same vessel Kruger and his son used to do the Great Loop in reverse in 1980, Frank said.
Although he still experiences chronic pain from his injury, in many ways, Frank believes what ruined his childhood gave him a second chance at life.
"I don't know who I'll be when I finish. I like to think I'll be somebody a lot better than who I am now," Frank said.
Friday morning, Frank started in North Myrtle and traveled 22 miles to the Wacca Wache Marina in Murrells Inlet who offered to let Frank stay the night.
Saturday, he will travel from Murrells Inlet to Georgetown, and from there will continue down to Charleston.
Frank travels in a unique ensemble of traditional 300-year-old fur and leather seaman designs he sewed together himself. Inside The Loon, Frank carries 280 pounds of supplies
To support himself financially through his travels, he writes for various magazines and publications.
"As I'm standing here, speaking to you humbly, I feel I am a lot better than I was when I left," Frank said in Murrells Inlet. "I suppose the rivers have a way of sculpting not only rocks but spirits as well."
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