Greg Norman Australian Grille Set to Close at Barefoot Landing in October

Greg Norman Australian Grille at Barefoot Landing will permanently close its doors on October 15, 2026, ending a 27-year run as one of North Myrtle Beach's flagship waterfront dining destinations. Management announced the decision on September 1, stating that operating a premium food and beverage operation in a highly seasonal market has become "no longer sustainable" under current business conditions.

The establishment opened in 1999 along the Intracoastal Waterway and grew to become a premier steak and seafood house known for its private dining, 225 feet of dock space, a bourbon and tequila collection exceeding 180 bottles, and a wine list that earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for nearly two decades. The closure occurs despite owner Greg Norman scaling down other business operations in recent years to focus on LIV Golf while explicitly expressing his desire to keep the North Myrtle Beach grille open.

The decision highlights broader structural pressures facing fine-dining establishments across the Grand Strand. High-end full-service restaurants face steep seasonal traffic swings, requiring full-year overhead for items like high-value spirit inventories and trained kitchen staff while drawing peak revenues during a compressed summer window. Industry data shows food costs rising 38 percent and labor costs climbing 35 percent since 2019, with sharp national increases in beef prices further squeezing steakhouse margins.

Local commercial shifts at Barefoot Landing have also altered the landscape. Over the past decade, new casual additions—such as LuLu's, Crooked Hammock Brewery, Taco Mundo, and Big Chill Island House—have expanded waterfront seating, rooftop bars, and boat docking access nearby. The proliferation of high-volume, lower-check waterfront choices reduced the uniqueness of the waterfront view that premium spots previously leveraged.

Patrons holding outstanding gift cards can redeem them for service through the final day on October 15, 2026. Management noted that refunds will be made available for gift card holders who are unable to dine at the venue before the permanent closure.