Starbucks expanding in the Grand Strand with new Little River location

Starbucks is expanding in the Grand Strand — this time in the growing area of Little River, South Carolina.

Construction crews were seen at the new site Monday afternoon, located at 4751 River Hills Drive, just behind a Refuel convenience store and close to the River Hills Medical Plaza.

The Post and Courier first reported on the new location’s timeline for opening. Construction is expected to be complete in March 2023, and will hire about 20 employees.

This Starbucks will join a few other business that have opened recently in the area, including Be Known Coffee, a local coffee shop at 4207 Sea Mountain Hwy.

A building permit shows that the ownership of the property was transferred to Rexford Property Holdings LLC in February for $715,000. The property was previously owned by Refuel Operating Co LLC, according to Horry County property records.

Despite the coffee giant’s new location within two miles of the local cafe, owner Christy Williams said she wasn’t concerned about it because she didn’t consider Starbucks as competition. Williams said that customers come to Be Known Coffee for a different “atmosphere.”