New Murrells Inlet sports bar and restaurant promises beers, bites and a ‘Master Gator’

Widow Angela Anthony and widower Eric Richter met in a New Jersey grief support group four years ago. Now partners in business and love, the engaged couple aims to bring what Richter calls a “true sports bar” down to Murrells Inlet.

Gator Zone Sports Bar & Grille recently opened with a full kitchen and bar, more than 20 draft beers and more than 30 TVs at 3453 Highway 17 Business in Murrells Inlet.

“Her parents owned a diner in Patterson, New Jersey, for almost 44 years, so [Angela] comes from the service industry,” Richter said. “And I just always had an itch, so to speak, to possibly own a bar, restaurant or combination of both.”

Alligator inspiration

Originally from New Jersey, Anthony and Richter live in Murrells Inlet and took inspiration from the reptilian inhabitants of South Carolina swamps.

“There’s alligators all over the place, and as a matter of fact, I have pictures here at my home where they’re crossing right across my front lawn, because of the way the ponds are and everything in the community here,” Richter said. “You really can’t go anywhere around here without seeing an alligator at some point.”

Located between Beaver Bar and Suck Bang Blow, Gator Zone also has an irreverent mascot to match its neighbors: Master Gator. The sunglasses-wearing reptile appearing on Gator Zone’s logo will “be plastered everywhere,” according to Anthony.

Richter first began toying with the idea for a local spot called The Master Gator years back. While plans for the restaurant’s name changed, Master Gator has evolved into one of Anthony’s nicknames for Richter.

“With all the hard work he’s put in and his vision coming to life, the name suits him perfectly,” Anthony said.

Drinks, bites and specials

Gator Zone offers pub favorites like burgers, pizzas, wings and more, as well as a full bar. In addition to liquor and signature cocktails like the “swamp water” and the “mighty gator,” the bar has 24 draft options, including beers, hard cider and even prosecco.

“We’re all about putting the local beer, whether we have Grand Strand, whether we have Southern Hops, whether we have Tidal Creek,” Anthony said. “I mean, we want to support the locals as well, so we’re trying to do everything we can out of the business to support the locals.”

From 4 - 7 p.m. everyday, customers can enjoy happy hour specials including $2 off appetizers, which Gator Zone calls warm-ups, $1.50 off drafts and $1 off wines and cocktails.

Sports, games and events

For sports fans who don’t want to miss a play, Gator Zone is equipped with more than 30 TVs to broadcast games from the NFL, MLB, NHL and more.

“There really isn’t anywhere you’ll be in the building where you won’t be able to see what you’re looking for when it comes to sports,” Richter said.

If watching sports isn’t your thing, Gator Zone will feature video games and even a golf simulator in a private room, which Richter estimates will be available next month.

The restaurant will also host various social events, like trivia, karaoke, bingo and live music.

When you can visit

Whether you want to socialize, catch a game or just grab a bite to eat, Anthony and Richter say they’re excited to welcome visitors seven days a week.

Gator Zone is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

“The support from everyone, I mean, just walking on the MarshWalk and just talking to people about it, they’re very excited as well, so that gives us the energy and excitement,” said Anthony. “It’s a little bit of nerves, but it’s also a lot of excitement, so just talking to everyone makes me feel better, because everybody supports everyone here, which I truly, truly love about the area.”