Harold’s on the Ocean in North Myrtle Beach closes

Harold’s on the Ocean – a North Myrtle Beach staple – closed its doors for good Monday.

The restaurant, located at 2301 N. Ocean Blvd., celebrated their closing all last week and were clearing out the equipment Tuesday afternoon, according to Justin Strickland, who worked at the eatery.

Harold Bessant, co-owner of the iconic nightspot Fat Harold’s Beach Club and Harold’s on the Ocean, died in May. He had a lifetime lease on HOTO’s property but the property’s owner did not renew the lease after Bessant’s death, Strickland said.

Bessent, 82, died after a long period of declining health, said Harold Worley, who co-founded the club with Bessent in the 1980s.

Strickland said employees knew about the closing for about two months and celebrated the last week of business with several concerts.

HOTO’s website thanked locals and tourists for their continued patronage over the years.

“The Staff at Hoto’s ... would like to personally thank everyone who has visited and gotten to know all of the bartenders for their continued support of Hoto’s until the end!! Maybe we will be able to open the doors of Harold’s On The Ocean once again in the future!!!,” according to the website.

This story was originally published September 8, 2015 at 2:11 PM with the headline "Harold’s on the Ocean in North Myrtle Beach closes."