Margaritaville May Come to Atlantic City

The newest Margaritaville may be coming to Atlantic City, according to the Press of Atlantic City:

Steeplechase Pier, once the regular host to an 85-piece orchestra conducted by John Philip Sousa, could soon bear the name of another musician if it’s rebuilt as one of singer Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurants.

Resorts Casino Hotel has applied to the state for an environmental permit to rebuild the pier — destroyed in a 1988 fire — and construct a restaurant, bar and surf shop in its place. According to the casino’s application, the $6 million project would construct a Margaritaville Landshark Bar & Grill in the footprint of the former pier.

Aaron Gomes, executive vice president of operations at Resorts, said earlier this month that the casino has been talking to Buffett of “Margaritaville” fame and other potential developers about the site. It would be premature to talk about specific plans for the property, he said at the time.

Buffett’s involvement, however, would instantly bring some high-profile name recognition to the project if the singer becomes one of the developers — and that notoriety could draw larger crowds, which Resorts speaks to in its 78-page permit application.