A local food truck is opening a permanent Myrtle Beach location. Take a look at the menu.
More Latin American cuisine is on its way to Myrtle Beach.
Venezuelan-themed restaurant Arepa Spot will open this summer, and potentially by July 1 if all goes according to plan.
The restaurant serves traditional Venezuelan staples such as arepas— a corn dough dish stuffed with meat, cheese, and other ingredients— and empanadas.
Arepa Spot also offers plantains and Tequeños— akin to a mozzarella stick but with a thicker dough and different cheese. Classic desserts like rice pudding and Tres Leche— a light, sponge cake— will also be on the menu.
“This city has so much potential,” first-time restaurant owner Marvine Rodriguez said. “I also think it’s great for the people, for the culture, for the community that a place like this can have a space here in Myrtle Beach.”
Gluten-free and vegan options will be available for newcomers, and The Arepa Spot will be located at 3590 St James Ave. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m on weekends.
The new eatery will replace an old one too. Healthy foods restaurant Lekker Eats was the previous tenant, but the restaurant has moved to 3751 Robert M Grissom Pkwy in Myrtle Beach.
Market Common and Surfside Farmers Market patrons will be familiar with the Arepa Spot’s cuisine. Before opening the restaurant, Rodriguez operated a food truck that served shoppers.
Originally from Venezuela, Rodriguez moved to Myrtle Beach in 2020 via New York and has served the Grand Strand for three years.
“My main thing is to try and bring new flavors to the city,” Rodriguez said.
There weren’t many other Venezuelan spots in town when Rodriguez arrived in Myrtle Beach, and he saw an opportunity to give others the food he had been eating his entire life.
Farmer’s market customers liked the food and the infusion of new cuisine into the region, and the response Rodriguez received prompted him to open his restaurant.
“(People loved) The flavor. Clients have been telling me they haven’t tasted food like that,” he added. “It’s really fresh and feels like traditional food.”
Farmer’s Market patrons should not worry the Arepa Spot food truck will close as a result. Rodriguez said he plans to continue operating the truck too.
More dishes could also be coming to the establishment. Depending on the restaurant’s reception, pepitos— akin to a hotdog Rodriguez said— could also be added to the menu.
Rodriguez will run Arepa Spot with his mother and sister, but he also said the eatery would hire an additional 2-3 workers.
