Downtown Anderson's first oyster bar is open for business. After a trial run last week, Shucks Oyster Bar had its grand opening Tuesday. About 25 customers quickly filled the narrow restaurant and bar at 315 N. Main St.

Shucks Oyster Bar is owned by Belton resident and first-time restaurateur Steve McCuen. The restaurant's 12 employees include his son and daughter-in-law, Devon and Tala McCuen, who will manage the business. Before moving to Anderson, the couple worked at the The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a five-star hotel near Charleston.

Steve McCuen oversaw renovations to the Anderson building that previously housed a real estate firm. The project included digging out the basement to make room for the restaurant's kitchen. As an incentive, the Anderson City Council set aside $37,400 to reimburse McCuen for air-conditioning, electrical and plumbing improvements, as well as construction work to make bathrooms accessible for disabled patrons.