‘It’s just so beautiful’: Residents, business owners celebrate opening of Surfside Beach Pier

SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Almost a decade in the making, people from all across the Grand Strand funneled into Surfside Beach to experience the long-awaited pier re-opening.

Almost eight years ago, Hurricane Matthew damaged the Surfside Beach Pier, leading to a complete rebuild. As of Thursday night, it is open to the public.

Residents, business owners, and town officials tell WMBF News the moment feels surreal.

“I think it’s awesome that it’s finally opened up,” said Rodney Rambo, who lives nearby. “I’ve heard a lot of stories of this and that and whatever, and I think it’s cool.”

The pier’s opening also coincides with the town’s 60th birthday.

“This pier is, I think, a great way to start the next 60 years of Surfside Beach,” said Mayor Robert Krouse. “Just watching the flood of people go up the steps and up the ramp, in the elevators, really, really a pleasure to watch.”

With the opening of the pier came the opening of the third location of Drippy’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Owner Tiffany Dwiggins tells WMBF News the business signed the lease for the pier location in the fall of 2022. Since then, it has been a waiting game, so when the pier finally opened Thursday night, she was thrilled.

“It was surreal,” said Dwiggins. “We’re just really happy to be open. It was a great turnout, a ton of people.”

More businesses, like Whistling Duck, Perry’s Bait and Tackle and Surf Diner will soon join the shop.

Suzanne and Randy Laney said they used to live in Surfside Beach full time and remember when Hurricane Matthew destroyed the pier. They said when they heard the news about it being open, they had to come to see it for themselves.

“We were here during the hurricane when it broke down and we just watched the whole process of it being built and today’s the day. It’s just so beautiful,” said Suzanne Randy.

Randy said he’s more confident about this one lasting.

“I love the concrete, what they did with the concrete, so the hurricanes can’t mess with this one,” he said.

As of right now, we do not have specific dates for the business openings, but Mayor Krouse said he is confident they will open this season.

An employee at Perry’s Bait and Tackle tells WMBF News they are in the process of moving in.

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