Kozy Korner owned by former Myrtle Beach mayor ready for demolition. What are plans

After decades feeding Myrtle Beach and nearly 90 years as a fixture downtown, the Kozy Korner building appears headed for demolition.

Although developers told Myrtle Beach’s Community Appearance Board (CAB) they plan to replace the structure with a one that “pays respect to” and “honors” the original space, they said a slew of structural, plumbing and HVAC issues make renovation impossible.

“We’ve gone through a lot of expense to try to salvage the building, and we are paying historical homage to the original building,” said former Mayor Brenda Bethune, who owns the property. She also pointed out the current structure isn’t the original building, which county land records estimate was built in 1938.

The space passed through many hands over the years before Bethune’s BJAOC Holdings LLC acquired it in 2022. But no venture has been more locally famous or beloved than Kozy Korner Cafe run by Greek immigrants Angie and Tony Thompson with their son Dino.

“THE KOZY KORNER CAFE wutn’t just a place to sit down and eat. It was a place to gnaw a T-bone steak while you chewed the political fat,” Dino Thompson wrote on social media. “It was one of Myrtle Beach’s first sit-down restaurants. The art-deco hub of our downtown wheel. A naked light bulb for philosophical moths.”

What will the new building be?

In the space where the Thompsons once ran Kozy Korner downstairs and lived above, Doyle Architecture wants to construct a new three-story, multi-use commercial building. The developers described plans for a restaurant on the first floor and five apartments in the upper levels at the CAB meeting.

The planned private construction is just down the street from three abandoned buildings which the city has spent millions renovating to create a downtown theater.

“Unlike the theater building, the Kozy Korner is privately owned. Private property owners have the right to use and build on their property as they see fit as long as local ordinances and zoning regulations are followed,” said Myrtle Beach Director of Communications and Creative Services Meredith Denari. “Investment in private property plays an important role in the continued revitalization of downtown Myrtle Beach.

In response to resident pushback at the CAB meeting, developers and some board members said residential units would help that revitalization by drawing visitors, supporting local businesses and enhancing safety downtown.

But before demolition can proceed, the CAB will have to approve a permit. In the meantime, some are already mourning the space.

“Yup, twas a lotta big days, laughs, smiles and tears in the Kozy Korner. Across the street was our only Bank and City Hall in the Colonial Building, Springs Real Estate right beside it. Lafayette Hotel behind it. All now demolished … Purty soon ain’t gonna be one ole man left standin,” Thompson wrote.

This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 1:40 PM.