Myrtle Beach area cafe that focuses on serving veterans closing its doors. What we know

A cafe and grill that has supported veterans in the Myrtle Beach area for 15 years is closing its doors.

Owner Lou Mascherino said the last day for the Veterans Cafe & Grille, 3544 Northgate Drive, will be Oct. 25.

Mascherino said the cafe is closing partly for health reasons, but also because the rent has been raised, causing financial difficulties.

“We can’t afford to do it anymore,” he said.

While the cafe and grill is open to the public, it primarily caters to veterans. It has been involved with several veteran groups in the Myrtle Beach area, including Quilts of Valor and Blue Star Mothers.

“It’s been a good run,” Mascherino said. “We are very happy with what we accomplished.”

Now, Mascherino, who is an Army veteran who served in the 1970s, said it’s up to the Myrtle Beach community to continue caring for its veterans.