This Is Carolina: Young sushi chef rolls his way into the Grand Strand food scene

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - Chef Michael Roemhildt knows his way around the kitchen.

“It started when I was 15 -because I’m always in the kitchen with my mom. And ever since then, I’ve just been in there every day,” he said.

The 20-year-old quickly turned his hobby into a career. He graduated last May from Horry-Georgetown Technical College as one of the youngest students to receive a culinary arts degree.

All while launching his catering business, Michael’s Kitchen LLC.

“I go to people’s homes and I do private events. I do a lot of sushi, dumplings, Charcuterie classes and sushi classes,” he said.

But Roemhildt wanted to focus more on his packing and wrapping by creating sushi corners inside Grand Strand restaurants.

He’s already opened one inside the Hwy Nine Grillhouse in Longs and plans to launch another inside the new Salty Brews Café in North Myrtle Beach.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do because people love my sushi and I wanted to get it out to the world,” said Roemhildt.

The sushi chef whipped up some fan favorites and showed us how he creates the perfect roll.

“We’re going to be doing one of my specialty rolls: The Rainbow King,” said Roemhildt.

His passion for food and attention to detail has also earned him the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Game Changer Award in 2023 and the 2024 Rising Star of the Year Award for the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Not only are his rolls a work of art...they’re also delicious.

Roemhildt said he’s pouring his heart and soy sauce into his future and hopes to expand his business and customer’s palettes for years to come.

“I just love it. It’s what I love to do and what makes me happy,” he said.

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