Local chef closes Yemassee restaurant location, but he’s not done. Here’s what’s next
A local eatery known for fried seafood and Lowcountry cuisine is preparing to close its doors – but its food will remain a part of the community.
Tyger Snell, owner of Belly Full by Tyger, announced that he will permanently close his brick-and-mortar restaurant at 59 Salkehatchie Road in Yemassee. The restaurant’s final day of operation will be Saturday, Jan. 24, and it will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The closure comes nearly two years after the restaurant opened and as Snell approaches a major milestone – five years in business this July. While the restaurant is closing, Snell’s popular food trailer will continue operating and expanding its presence across the Lowcountry.
Between the brick-and-mortar location, the food trailer and his broader food operations, Snell said the workload has become exhausting, requiring him to work seven days a week.
“It’s become tiring to juggle it all at once,” he said.
With most of his business coming from the trailer, Snell said it makes more sense to focus on where the demand is and return to his regular rotating food trailer locations.
During the week, the trailer will be set up at Beaufort Winlectric, located at 245 Robert Smalls Parkway. On Sundays, customers can find Belly Full by Tyger at Farmers Home Furniture at 2421 Boundary Street. He will also continue serving customers at 675 Kings Highway at Point South in Yemassee, near Exit 33.
Customers can expect the same fan-favorite menu items, including the Belly Blesser platter, crab trays and other signature fried offerings.
Snell said he plans to begin regularly appearing at these locations by the second week of February, and catering services will remain available. Next steps for the soon-to-be vacant restaurant space are unknown.
“I’m coming back home to my regular locations to feed my people,” he said in a post on Facebook.
In addition to daily service, Snell will remain active on the local festival circuit, including events such as the Taste of Beaufort, Soft Shell Crab Festival, Gullah Festival, Black Food Truck Festival and the Shrimp Festival.
Customers are encouraged to follow Belly Full by Tyger on Facebook for updates on trailer locations, hours and upcoming events.
This story was first reported by The Island News.
This story was originally published January 24, 2026 at 4:30 AM.
