Horry County is giving tax breaks to a niche company that helps power the restaurant sector

Carolina Food Service, which produces meats, condiments and spices mostly for the Hispanic and Latino restaurant markets, is bringing 71 new jobs as part of a 20,000-square-foot expansion of its Commerce Park site, while retaining 29.

In return, Horry County will give it a 6 percent property tax rate for the next 20 years.

Company officials did not return a call seeking comment but CEO Juan Serrato said in a June 2022 press release that county and state leaders laid the groundwork for his company’s continued presence on the Grand Strand.

“I am truly excited and beyond grateful for our Carolina Food Service family. All their hard work and relentless efforts have put us in an accelerated pace of growth. And, for closing in on accomplishing our goal of becoming a relevant player in the regional food service scene,” Serrato said in the statement.

Carolina Food Service’s clients include local chain El Cerro Grande.

The county’s accommodation and food services sector is projected to grow by more than 12 percent through 2028, adding 4,486 jobs, SC workforce data shows.