By Becky Billingsley

Tuesday, August 14, 2012, Myrtle Beach – One restaurant in the Socastee area of Myrtle Beach has closed, and a new Asian bistro is soon opening off Robert M. Grissom Parkway.

The restaurant that closed is Beantree Café at Sugar and Sage, which was owned by Chef Nanette Thomas. She was at 3640 B Socastee Blvd. for a few years doing catering, and in late 2011 she opened a restaurant at the front of the shop called Beantree Café.

The restaurant that’s forthcoming is Sobaya Japanese Bistro, which is opening at 3590 Saint James Ave. in Myrtle Beach, which is the former location of Giada’s and Saffron’s. On Aug. 13, the restaurant was not yet open, and notice of application for an alcohol sales permit was posted on the front door.