Atlantic City’s casino hotels haven’t had a whole lot of luck in the past few years. Gaming revenue has been down for six years straight, since many neighboring states have developed new casinos, and hotel business was disrupted last year when Superstorm Sandy walloped the New Jersey coastline. And even Revel, the billion-dollar resort that many business owners and residents considered a beacon of hope for the fledgling tourist destination, is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings after struggling in the market. But Resorts Casino Hotel is hoping that the new Margaritaville complex, opening on Memorial Day weekend, will bring in some serious new business.
The sprawling addition will include a Margaritaville restaurant, LandShark Bar and Grill, Margaritaville themed casino, Five O’clock Somewhere bar, retail store, and coffee shop—all inspired by the Jimmy Buffet lifestyle. The Margaritaville restaurant alone clocks in at over 14,000 square feet and is expected to seat 448 guests. It will feature a stage for nightly live entertainment, a tiki bar, and a seasonal exterior deck on the Boardwalk. The 8,000-square-foot Landshark Bar and Grill will seat approximately 370 guests and will be the only year-round full-service bar and restaurant on the sand side of the Boardwalk.
“Ultimately, the Resorts Casino Hotel experience is about having fun, whether you find it on the sand or in the casino. Margaritaville brings these two elements together in the perfect blend of casual beach attitude and gaming excitement,” said Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO for Resorts Casino Hotel. “We are proud to partner with Jimmy Buffett to bring this highly sought-after brand to the Atlantic City Boardwalk.”
The entire complex will take up 17,400 square feet and will feature a casino area of 12 Margaritaville-themed table games and 160 slot machines. The $35 million project is in addition to the $25 million being spent to renovate hotel rooms at the property. It looks like Resorts is banking on Buffet’s widespread appeal and is hoping to attract plenty of “Parrotheads” to the Jersey Shore this summer.
