Episode #21
Loris, SC: Big Bog Energy! Chicken Bog, Growth and Small-Town Flavor EP#21
Loris, South Carolina may be one of those places people have heard of, driven through, or only recently discovered when they realized their new home address says “Loris.” But this small town in northern Horry County has a story worth knowing. In this episode of Coasting, Celia heads to Loris for a conversation about railroad roots, small-town pride, major growth, and one very important local dish: chicken bog. The episode begins with Samantha Norris, Executive Director of the Loris Chamber of Commerce, who shares the history of Loris, how the town developed, what makes it unique, and how the community is experiencing the growth now reaching this part of Horry County. We also talk about the Loris Chicken Bog-Off Festival, one of the town’s signature events, and why chicken bog has become such an important part of the town’s identity. Then we shift from history to flavor with two local restaurant owners: Ritchie Ward of Ritchie’s General Store and Eatery and Nick Conner of Shorty’s Grill. Ritchie and Nick both serve chicken bog, but on different days and with different recipes. Ritchie brings a culinary background and family connection to the conversation, while Nick brings the kind of personality and storytelling that makes small-town restaurants feel like gathering places, not just places to eat. Together, this episode explores why Loris is gaining attention, what newcomers may come to love about it, and how food, family, history, and growth are all part of the town’s story. Whether you already know Loris, just moved nearby, or are still asking, “So… what exactly is chicken bog?” — this episode is full of small-town flavor. Recorded live on the Tea Patio of the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, SC. Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Preview 00:16 - Intro 00:25 - On This Episode 01:27 - Welcome to Coasting 01:31 - We Made It To Fall 02:02 - 12 Seasons of the South 04:02 - Fall Festivals 07:37 - Coming Up Loris Bog Off 98:26 - Loris Hospitality 09:48 - Loris Pharmacy 10:12 - Coming Up 10:31 - A Lasting Impression 11:11 - Learn About Loris 11:39 - Welcome Samantha Norris 13:03 - The Gate City 13:29 - The Back Porch of the Grand Strand 14:09 - A Change in Momentum 15:20 - New Communities in Loris 16:12 - Population Growth 17:18 - We Love the Growth 18:34 - Economic Development 19:57 - Loris History 21:12 - How Big is Loris 22:06 - What is Chicken Bog 22:39 - Loris Bog Off Festival 26:34 - Where to Park 27:44 - How the Bog Off Helps Loris 29:16 - Papermaking at the Art Museum 29:45 - Welcome Ritchie and Nick 30:39 - Your Loris Story 31:39 - Definition of Chicken Bog 34:01 - Audience Feedback 34:45 - Recipes? 38:07 - How Do You Know What People Like 39:08 - Who Makes it? 39:55 - The Schedule 42:46 - Time to Prepare 43:21 - How Much Do You Make? 43:58 - Hours 45:11 - Do You Sell Out? 46:03 - The General Store 46:41 - Bog Blunders 48:55 - Shorty’s Grill History 52:06 - Small Town Restaurants Community Role 54:53 - How Does the Bog Off Affect Your Restaurant 56:36 - Loris in One Word 57:14 - Wrap Up 58:51 - EP 21 Preview 59:08 - Closing Credits Important Links: Real Estate Website: http://www.bytheseashorerealty.com/ Myrtle Beach Art Museum: http://www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/ Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival; https://southcarolinaparks.com/stories/atalaya-arts-and-crafts-festival Little River Shrimp Fest: https://littlerivershrimpfest.org NMB Live: https://www.nmb.us/855/NMB-Live City of Halloween SC: https://www.conwaysc.gov/news_detail_T6_R678.php Ritchies Eatery: https://ritchieseatery.com Shortys Grill: https://shortysgrilllorissc.com Podcast Website : http://www.coastingpodcast.com https://ritchieseatery.com
