MYRTLE BEACH, SC- Horry-Georgetown Technical College recently broke ground on a $16 million culinary arts school. The site is located right across the street from the Myrtle Beach campus at Market Common.
The culinary arts program is 20 years old and school officials want to bring it up to date with modern cooking techniques. Khalif Clayton just started his second semester in the program.
“I always wanted a restaurant, that was always my passion,” he said.
Clayton lives in Conway. His goal is to graduate and eventually open his own restaurant in Myrtle Beach.
“Asian food with African influences,” stated Clayton.
It’s a unique blend, but Clayton said Myrtle Beach could use some variety. He’d also like his restaurant to be more upscale.
“Right now in the market, there aren’t many high end fine dining restaurants,” he said.
Chef Instructor David Quintana said students like Clayton will change the culinary scene on the Grand Strand.
“I think we’re going to make a statement with the food that we’re doing,” said Quintana.
Currently, the culinary arts program is split between the Conway campus and the Myrtle Beach campus.
“We’re really looking forward to having everybody under one roof, the equipment, the layout, it looks so great,” stated Quintana.
He’s most excited about the buildings impact on Myrtle Beach’s economy, as food is a growing part of tourism.
“We would love to be a destination food wise as well as beach and shopping,” he said.
HGTC plans to add new programs, including one for students interested in brewing and another for baking and pastry chefs. The Culinary Arts Department also has a student-run kitchen in Conway called the Fowlers Dining Room . If you’d like to make a reservation call 843-349-5334.
