By Becky Billingsley

Wednesday, August 8, 2012, Murrells Inlet – Mickey Calderiso of the Murrells Inlet restaurant On the Half Shell is opening a second restaurant in Murrells Inlet called Mickey’s Tavern.

The tavern is going to be at 4078 U.S. 17 Business in Murrells Inlet, in the former location of The Short Bar. On June 27 it was reported here that the property would become Marsh Walk Market, a place where South Carolina artisans would sell their works, but that plan fell through.

The site's building was an historic Myrtle Beach beach house moved to its present location more than 10 years ago. Since then it was a succession of restaurants including Hana's, Petit Vine, K-Rae's and, until June 20, the Short Bar.

Now Calderiso is busy making renovation plans for the building and grounds that he intends to be a seafood and steak restaurant.

The front entrance is being moved from the south side to the east side of the building so it will face U.S. 17 Business and Dead Dog Saloon. Inside, the bar is also being moved to the east side.

“There will be a double door at the new front entrance,” Calderiso said on Aug. 7 at the restaurant,” with a covered 5’ patio coming off it. Two 4’x8’ stained glass windows will be installed behind the bar that will be able to swing open, so the bartender can serve drinks inside, and then turn around and serve drinks outside too.”

The outdoor portion of the bar will have its own 16” bar top where customers can set their drinks and dine. New hardwood floors and ceramic tile will be installed, there will be much painting and all new furniture.

Calderiso says he has hired a prominent local fine dining chef to head up the kitchen at Mickey’s Tavern, but he isn’t identifying the chef yet, because he hasn’t yet given notice at his current job.

Also in the works is a crosswalk at the property’s north end, so customers can cross U.S. 17 Business safely to access the Marsh Walk.

Halloween is Calderiso’s target opening date for Mickey’s, when all the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk restaurants throw a big combined party.