ART Burger, Chemist owner plans for new specialty restaurant in Myrtle Beach

The proprietor of the Chemist and ART Burger Sushi Bar is making plans to open a new cafe in downtown Myrtle Beach that would combine tacos and tequila with outdoor dining and an ocean view.

Larry Bond say he plans to renovate the old Pizza De Roma on the corner of Withers Drive and Ninth Avenue North and reopen as Gordo’s Tacos and Tequila.

Bond revealed his plans at a Myrtle Beach City Council workshop Dec. 8, but still must submit redevelopment plans for approvals by the Community Appearance Board. Bond could not be reached for comment on his proposed timeline.

“There’s nothing really like it anywhere in the city,” Bond told the council. “It’s a full-service Chipotle with a twist.”

The renovation plans call for adding a sliding glass wall to the front of the building to give indoor as well as outdoor diners a direct view of the ocean, Bond said.

“This is a great idea, these are the kind of things that are going to enhance the downtown,” Councilwoman Susan Grissom Means said. “This is the kind of thing we need down there.”

To make room for outdoor diners, preliminary plans show that about a half-dozen parking spaces along Withers Drive and Ninth Avenue North would be eliminated to shore up the sidewalk and add higher curbing. Bond would be responsible for the cost of the infrastructure work.

“Here’s another example of trying to do something with a building that’s been ... vacant forever, and a building that really needs some help,” said Councilman Mike Lowder. “Here’s some ideas to go in and basically redevelop these buildings and make something that’s going to be very attractive. I’m all for it.”

Staff reporter Emily Weaver contributed to this report.

Hudson can be reached at 843-444-1765

Twitter: @AudreyHudson

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 11:47 PM with the headline "ART Burger, Chemist owner plans for new specialty restaurant in Myrtle Beach."