A closed Myrtle Beach bakery got a check for $125K from the city? What we know
Reality Check is a new Sun News series holding those in power accountable, shining a light on local issues, and answering readers’ essential questions. Have a question or concern we can answer? Email online@thesunnews.com.
A closed business in a city-owned building recently received a check for more than $100,000 from city funds, according to the City of Myrtle Beach’s check ledger.
A paper sign that said “CLOSED” hung from the inside of the glass door of Le Manna Bread Company on 9th Ave N in downtown Myrtle Beach on Monday morning.
City spokesperson Meredith Denari confirmed on Monday afternoon that the money was to purchase all of the equipment from a now-shuttered downtown bakery.
“The city bought all furniture, fixtures and equipment that were in Le Manna for $125,000,” Denari wrote in an email. “This way, all cooking equipment could remain in the space and be ready for the next tenant. The city purchased it for less than market price.”
Local Facebook users have expressed concern over the recent check.
According to Denari, the purchase has been very public and was included in the ordinance City Council voted on during their April 8 meeting.
The same month that the bakery opened in February 2024, the city also wrote them a check for $144,113.00, according to public financial documents. Denari said that the $144,113 was for the city’s portion of the building’s upfit.
In an email to The Sun News, Denari previously said the bakery paid $1,613.04 per month for their lease.
The city approved starting a new lease with Winna’s Kitchen in March. According to the meeting agenda, Winna’s will pay $2,875 a month in rent and other expenses.
A Google search for the business yielded a red banner that said “permanently closed.” And a call to the number resulted in an automated message stating that the phone number was no longer in service.
The bakery closed after less than one year after opening.
This is the second business in a city-owned building on 9th Ave N to close in recent months. According to previous reporting, ESA Fitness at 515 9th Ave N, had $20,156.69 in unpaid rent and was told to vacate the property on April 1.
Both local businesses are part of a stretch of downtown Myrtle Beach that’s called the Arts and Innovation District.
This story was updated on 4/29/25 at 10:29 a.m. to include comment about what the $144,113 was for in Feb. 2024.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
