A longstanding buffet in Longs that appeared to shut down in October is blaming the HOA across the street for its closure, but neighbors tell a different story.
Big E’s County Buffet and Seafood, 1250 E S.C. 9, stopped posting pictures of its meals on Facebook at the beginning of October. On Oct. 19, it shared a post from Breanna Chestnut saying she will appear before the Horry County Board of Zoning Appeals in November.
The restaurant will ask for a “special exception for onsite consumption of alcohol and outdoor dining,” on Nov. 4, said Horry County Spokesperson Mikayla Moskov.
In the mean time, Big E’s appears to be closed although it is unclear why. A sign on the front door said its closed for repairs.
Chestnut is blaming neighbors for the restaurant’s closure.
“Unfortunately the new neighborhood across the street from us isn’t so kind, they have their whole HOA against the business; I have tried so hard to rebuild,” Chestnut wrote Facebook.
Chestnut and Big E’s did not respond to multiple requests to comment. HOA management does not appear to be involved in the conflict, only the members.
Residents of River Haven, the neighborhood located across S.C. 9 from the restaurant, told a different narrative. Multiple people said they’ve been dealing with noise problems since new management took over.
Brandon Keenan, who lives in River Haven, said the restaurant started playing loud music late into the night multiple days a week starting around summer. He said the music went until 1 a.m. on a Wednesday once, although it’s more common that loud music plays until 10 or 11 p.m. Neighbors said the music is played outdoors.
It’s been disruptive as Keenan said he cannot get work done at night and other neighbors said it’s impacted their sleep schedule.
Residents, like Keenan and Virgil Holman, said they support the business but cannot take the noise level. Keenan started a petition requesting the restaurant limit the hours and volume of its music.
“It’s called Big E’s Seafood Restaurant not Big E’s Karaoke Night,” Kennan said.
Multiple residents said they’ve tried to speak to Chestnut about the noise level but felt she did not listen to them. In Facebook comments, Big E’s said the restaurant closes at 10 p.m. and does not play music past that time.
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