Business leaders want to bring business back to oceanfront

Jonathan Staton knows that other downtown Myrtle Beach business owners work just as hard as he does inside—and outside—their stores.

Not only does Staton own Dagwood’s Deli on Mister Joe White Avenue, but he’s the president of the Oceanfront Merchants Association.

“We’ve got a lot going on on our plate,“ he said. “Everything we’ve done (for the association) has been in our spare time.“

That includes planning—and marketing—a series of special (and free) downtown concerts and events going all summer that Staton and his group hope can bring more business downtown. It’s called Ocean Boulevard’s Hot Summer Nights..

“Our number one goal is to get people to the downtown area,“ said Staton. “Our whole program is free to guests or locals who come into Myrtle Beach.“

Considering Myrtle Beach City Council’s recent flap with business owners over biker business during the May biker rallies, plus the construction of Market Common and Grand Park on the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base—where most of the city-run summertime events have moved—the recent announcement that funding for a boardwalk project was approved is great news for Staton and the association..

“It’s truly one of the best things the city council has done for the city,“ he said. “It’s going to be an attraction to bring people down here (to Ocean Boulevard), something for all ages.“