A longtime eatery displaced by a massive fire in historic downtown Georgetown, S.C., will soon roost in downtown Wilmington.

Buzz’s Roost Restaurant is opening in the former The Boardwalk on Front location at 15 S. Front St., said Michael Miller, owner of South Carolina-based restaurant.

Miller said Monday that he hopes to open his new downtown Wilmington location by March 1, pending proper permitting and city approval.
    
“I need to go down and talk with the city and planning people, and see what I can do and get some ideas together,” he said. “There will be some interior changes; I want to convert some of the core characteristics in Georgetown and try to keep the same look.”

Miller purchased restaurant equipment and furniture from former Boardwalk owner Todd King on Jan. 12 for an undisclosed amount. Officials closed on the 7,850-square-foot restaurant site this weekend.

Steve Hall, a broker with Wilmington-based Maus Warwick Matthews & Company, completed the lease transaction for an undisclosed amount.

“We’re glad to see these guys are going in,” Hall said. “I think Michael is going to do a great business down there.”

Miller said a September fire in historic downtown Georgetown, which destroyed eight building, including his Georgetown location, prompted him to expedite his expansion plans.

“I was always looking for a second location,” Miller said. “We plan to open this restaurant first, and I plan to rebuild the Georgetown location in a year.”

Miller said the size and location of the Front Street building drove him to acquire the space.

“It’s a big space with lots of potential,” Miller said. “The courtyard is a beautiful concept that I had to have in a future space. Then there is the possibility of what you can do on the inside. We are excited to move into the space.”