From Baltimore to The Beach: The Heart of Main Street Tap & Grill

(Photo by Sea Smiles Photography. Left: Lynne Fisher, co-owner, Right: Nick Fusee, co-owner)

In downtown North Myrtle Beach, Main Street Tap & Grill, affectionately known as Main Street Taphouse, has been a local staple in the area. It is owned and operated by Nick Fusee and Lynne Fisher, who transformed their business from a modest bar to an evolving taphouse and restaurant – boasting 24 beer taps, an array of wines, cocktails and a menu that draws people from the coast. Fusee wanted to pivot into a new venture after working with the Baltimore Ravens for 21 years as a former vice president.

Fusee traded the corporate world for the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach. “We vacationed here for years,” Fusee said. “My wife, Sandy, and I knew this was where we’d retire and put down roots.” What started as a way to stay busy in retirement quickly turned into an entrepreneurial path. In 2021, Fusee opened the bar alongside Sandy and their son, creating a family business.

Lynne Fisher, who joined as a bartender in the early years, soon became an indispensable part of the business. Her knack for crafting drinks — like her signature chocolate martini, a customer favorite – caught Fusee’s attention. By January 2023, he sold the bar and repurchased it with Fisher as his business partner. “Lynne was a phenomenal asset for us early on as a bartender. We have a fantastic lead cook, and our staff are great people. The quality of people you have on your crew adds to the high-quality service at Main Street Taphouse. They are what makes this place special,” Fusee shared. The menu reflects Fusee and Fisher’s Baltimore roots, with Maryland-style crab cakes as the hottest item on the menu. “Many people from all over the coast come to our restaurant just to try them,” Fusee said. Aside from the food, they have beer, wine, and cocktail options, depending on what kind they like or are interested in. “We have 24 taps and people can get somewhat overwhelmed by that. I ask customers what beer they typically order. Then, I’ll go through the options we have and some taste cups,” Fusee said. Although not a beer drinker, Fisher shared that customers have come in requesting her chocolate martini. “I have a couple of specialties that customers will only request like the chocolate martini. It’s my own recipe, and customers love it,” she said. Main Street Tap & Grill also hosts events throughout the week and promotes them on social media. Some of their key events include bourbon tastings, chocolate martini tastings, trivia nights, and music.

Running a small business isn’t without its challenges. “Trying to be an involved business owner, being present as much as you can, but also maintaining your own quality of life – is the biggest challenge,” Fisher said. As their biggest lesson, they’ve both learned the importance of managing their time well to avoid burnout. The advice they’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Be realistic with your goals and be detailed,” Fusee said. “Put your numbers on a spreadsheet and know your goals.”

Main Street Tap & Grill is located at 693 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. Stop by to meet Nick and Lynne, savor a crab cake, sip a craft beer, or try that famous chocolate martini.