North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
The transformation of the former JC Penney site at the Myrtle Beach Mall in Briarcliffe Acres is entering its final stages as signs for Downtown Flavortown are officially going up.
After more than a year of anticipation following the initial announcement in late 2024, officials with FACE Amusement Group have confirmed that the massive 50,000 square foot entertainment complex is slated for an opening in June 2026.
While a specific day has not yet been circled on the calendar, developers are aiming for a summer launch to coincide with the peak tourism season on the Grand Strand.
This new destination to be housed inside the formerly Briarcliffe Mall is designed as a “dinner-tainment” concept, blending high-energy dining with various recreational activities. The facility will feature a signature restaurant, a tiki bar, a full-scale bowling alley and an extensive collection of arcade games.
This location is an expanded version of the original Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which opened in 2022. The menu will highlight the bold flavors that made the Food Network star famous, including his well-known trash can nachos and specialty burgers.
The progress on the North Kings Highway site marks a significant milestone for the Myrtle Beach Mall, which has been seeking major tenants to anchor its revitalization.
Despite Guy Fieri’s recent emergency leg surgery and a viral Super Bowl commercial that saw him briefly ditching his signature spiked hair and goatee for a marketing stunt, company officials maintain that the project timeline remains on track. Work has recently shifted almost entirely to the interior as crews prepare the space for the large crowds expected once the doors open.
Fieri, the host of long-running TV hits like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games, is expected to make an appearance at the grand opening depending on his filming schedule for his newest program, Flavortown Food Fight.
The project has moved quickly since the former department store was demolished in early 2025, and local officials hope the high-profile brand will act as a major catalyst for further growth at the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 22.
Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on official channels for a finalized opening date announcement in the coming weeks.
