A family-owned restaurant in Myrtle Beach is entering a new chapter as the owner’s children begin stepping into leadership roles.
The Chuck Wagon is set to open a second location inside Coastal Grand Mall, with plans to launch in August, owner Chuck Nakis told What Now Charleston.
“Our kids are becoming more and more involved in it and they want to take over,” Nakis said. “Each one of them wants their own restaurant. We have three kids.”
The new location will mirror the original’s country-western theme and menu. Nakis described it as “a carbon copy of the other one.”
Known for its bold take on American comfort food, Chuck Wagon serves hand-smashed burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, Southern-style starters and hearty supper plates. Standouts include the Campfire Burger with chili and fried onions, the Reuben Burger with sauerkraut and thousand island, and the Mac Burger topped with mac and cheese. Dessert offerings include apple pie eggrolls, peach cobbler and a brownie cheesecake.
“I just like creating more places, that’s my thing, but I’m more happy to see my kids are actually going to take over,” Nakis said.
He said his children have been helping out at the restaurant “since they were basically just out of diapers,” and joked they’re probably most excited to no longer work under him as the Chuck Wagon brand expands.
Looking ahead, the family hopes to open additional locations in Surfside and North Myrtle Beach by 2026, though plans remain in early stages.
The Nakis family also owns Mulberry Street NY Pizzeria in Murrells Inlet.
