Lease Runs Out on Tourist Spot Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

With so many choices for local seafood in Charleston, its no wonder that chain restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. didn’t hold much appeal for Lowcountry residents — but the announcement of its closure was the big talk of the weekend.

The restaurant’s holding company released the following statement late on Friday:

Due to a natural lease expiration, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. located at 99 S. Market St. ceased operations on Thursday, Aug. 8. We value our employees, their dedication to our company and are working to relocate them. We are grateful for the support of the Charleston community for the past 19 years.

With only three stars on Yelp, and many of the reviews complaining about the service, it doesn’t seem like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. wowed many visitors to the Market Street location. For example, this one-star review from Jennifer C.:

TERRIBLE! If you want mozzarella sticks and that’s it then you can come here because those were good. Besides that it’s ALL bad (service, food, environment) BAD Over priced. I’m genuinely angry

The big question now is what will move into 99 S. Market Street? It’s a busy location, so the speculation around town is that it will require some deep pockets to take over. Another big chain perhaps?

• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Shutters Downtown Charleston Location [PC]