Resorts Casino is bringing one of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant and entertainment complexes to Atlantic City, where casino and government officials are hoping the singer's legion of fans known as Parrotheads will help revive the shore resort.
The project, due to open in 2013, will be built as part of Resorts, which said it will also re-theme its Boardwalk facade with the Margaritaville brand.
The tropical-themed Margaritaville will be partly carved out of current space inside the casino hotel, Resorts said. A restaurant and year-round beach bar will also be added to the property.
Gov. Chris Christie, joining Resorts officials and Buffett at a news conference to announce the plans, called them another important step forward in efforts to revitalize Atlantic City, whose casino revenues have been on a downward spiral.
He said Atlantic City's success is important both to the region and the state.
Buffett operates a casino and restaurant business internationally under the Margaritaville brand, inspired by the 1970s hit song of the same name. The first one opened in Florida's Key West.
Resorts owner Morris Bailey said getting a Margaritaville is a coup for Atlantic City, providing a must-see attraction for the resort.
Buffett, who is scheduled to perform at Boardwalk Hall on Aug. 4, said he is eager to help the city regain its place as a beach vacation destination. Resorts said he will own the Margaritaville properties at Resorts.
Four years ago, Buffett was involved in an effort, which fell through, to transform the former Trump Marina Hotel Casino into a Margaritaville resort.
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