Ocean Drive Main Street Development: Melt Ice Cream Expansion and New Shops Coming Soon
Main Street along Ocean Drive is entering a new chapter as a large-scale construction project begins transforming the area into a more vibrant and walkable destination for both locals and visitors. As a result, the area is being positioned for long-term growth while preserving what makes it a favorite place to visit.
This Ocean Drive Main Street development will span more than 40,000 square feet and is designed to support the community for decades to come.
“We are preparing Main Street here on Ocean Drive for the next 50 years.”
— Developer
To accomplish that goal, the project will be built in phases. Phase one will include a new two-story restaurant, along with the relocation of an existing neighboring business. Together, these changes aim to create clean, safe, and family-friendly spaces that enhance daily life while expanding things to do on Ocean Drive.
At the same time, one of the most anticipated highlights of the project is the Melt Ice Cream expansion. Melt Ice Cream Shop, a longtime favorite among both visitors and locals, will be located within the new Main Street development. This move will allow the business to grow, expand its offerings, and better serve the community.
Melt Ice Cream Shop has earned national recognition, including being named Best Ice Cream in South Carolina by Food & Wine. The shop also recently won the Best Flavor Award at this year’s Cone-A-Con, beating out hundreds of entries from across the country.
The award-winning flavor, Granddaddy Caddy, features salted butterscotch ice cream with roasted pecans and a rich, buttery butterscotch swirl.
“I’m super excited to start some of these new projects — new flavors and new items we can add that we just haven’t been able to provide before.”
— Brandon Causey, Owner of Melt Ice Cream
The expanded space will give Melt Ice Cream more room to innovate, creating even more reasons for visitors to stop by as part of their list of things to do on Ocean Drive.
During our visit, Melt Ice Cream was closed, but we captured video footage of the surrounding construction area, along with walk-through footage of the development site. The project is located just down the street from Fat Harold’s, a familiar landmark for many returning guests.
See Main Street on Ocean Drive Coming to Life
Bigger Melt Ice Cream, new dining, and that classic Ocean Drive vibe — all worth keeping on your radar for 2026.
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In addition to the Melt Ice Cream expansion, the developer plans to introduce new retail and commercial spaces, bringing more shopping and dining options to Main Street on Ocean Drive.
The developer believes the project will bring new jobs and economic opportunity to the area. City planning officials agree that investment through developments like this benefits the entire community.
“Investment into the community ripples out across the whole community. It makes everybody prosper. The commercial development and residential growth we’re seeing help all of us do well.”
Although a long-standing building will be demolished as part of the project, the developer emphasized that the intent is not to erase the area’s history or charm, but to preserve and strengthen it for future generations.
For our previous guests and longtime visitors, this is something to watch closely. A bigger Melt Ice Cream, along with new shops and dining options, means even more to enjoy during your next visit to Ocean Drive.
