Plans to build a Margaritaville Cafe have hit a snag and must meet certain historical preservation guidelines to be approved:

The building sits in the Broadway Preservation District and has to meet strict construction guidelines.

The Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission staff found problems with some of the beach-themed restaurant’s signage and proposed glass wall that would replace the building’s windows.

The Broadway Preservation District came about in 2007 when a Westin Hotel was proposed for Lower Broadway. The guidelines have created a hurdle for Margaritaville.

Bloom said an open concept is crucial to Margaritaville’s concept.

“To where there’s pretty weather, then you can engage the sidewalk and the street for them to see in and to listen to the music, hear the music,” said Bloom.

The property owner said without the open windows Margaritaville would most likely not invest in Downtown Nashville.

Bloom estimated Margaritaville would employ close to 150 people and take in $10 million a year in sales. That could net Nashville close to a $1 million a year in tax revenue.

Other downtown restaurants do have open windows. Broadway Brewhouse and Paradise Park installed their windows before 2007.

“They’re there to protect the character of our city and the buildings that make up our city,” said Tim Walker, executive director of the Metro Historic Zoning Commission.

The group is charged with guiding construction in the city’s preservation districts. Walker’s staff reviews plans and makes recommendations to the full Historic Zoning Commission.

“Those buildings are unique to Nashville. They’re what makes Nashville, Nashville and not just any city,” said Walker.

The Broadway Preservation district guidelines read replacement storefronts most mimic the original storefront of the building. That is where Margaritaville’s plan hit a snag.

Small modifications will bring Margaritaville’s proposed signage into compliance with the preservation district’s guidelines.

Both sides are optimistic they will be able to work out a compromise.

“I would say we’re 90 percent there, and there are just a few modifications to be made before the projects approved,” said Walker.

“We think we’ll be able to come to an agreement that will satisfy everyone and move forward with this project,” said Bloom.

The snag is likely to delay construction by a month, but developers say the project is still on target to open at the end of this year.

The official website for Margaritaville Rum is now up and running at www.margaritavillerum.com.

On the site you can find special recipes for drinks and also locations where it’s available.

Inspired by the lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville embodies a relaxed state-of-mind lifestyle synonymous with island escapism. Now with the introduction of Rum, Margaritaville takes consumers to the Island of Jamaica, where for centuries some of the world’s most exquisite rums has been handcrafted.

Every bottle of Margaritaville Premium Jamaican Rum contains a unique blend of aged rums hand selected by Jamaica’s most famed Master Blender, Joy Spence. Each rum is carefully selected and hand blended to create a sophisticated flavor and aroma. After blending, the rums are married. This fusion of the various components is the final touch to the unique blend.

Silver

80 proof. Clear. Light vanilla, cane stalk, warm custard, and nougat aromas. A soft, silky entry leads to a dry light-to-medium body of attractive cane, vanilla bean, and pepper flavors. Finishes with a zesty, peppery powdered sugar flavor.

Spiced

70 proof. Pale golden amber color. Creamy vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, and white chocolate aromas. A rich supple off-dry medium body with notes of white pepper and toasted nut. Finishes with a long, warm cinnamon and spicy vanilla fade.

Dark

80 proof. Deep golden amber color. Vibrant aromas of brown sugar, buttery caramel, roasted nuts, and creame brulee. A buoyant entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium body accented with vanilla beans, nut, and peppery brown spice flavors. Finishes with a nice dark caramel toffee and peppery spice fade.

Coconut

42 proof. Clear. Rich fresh-cut coconut and soft vanilla bean aromas follow through to a mildly sweet medium body of toasted coconut flavor. Finishes with nice length and creaminess.

Suggested retail is $16.99 per bottle.

(H/T Jon B.)

Have you tried Margaritaville Rum yet?

Jimmy Buffett is going up against Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone… in business. On Thursday, Hollywood, Florida (near Miami) will hear competing proposals from Margaritaville and Planet Hollywood for a plot of land on the boardwalk. Both pitches include a hotel, which would be a first for Buffett and Margaritaville Enterprises.

The Miami Herald has more:

John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville Enterprises in Palm Beach, said the beachfront location and Hollywood’s no-fuss vibe makes it a good fit for the brand’s first hotel.

“This is a very authentic beach town,” he said. “That’s what Margaritaville is about.”

Plans show a tiki bar wrapped around a seaplane and a sailboat by the pool, as well as an amphitheater with free concerts arranged by the Margaritaville staff.

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach also predicts it will command rates about 15 percent higher than what the top hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood charge.

“There are certain revenue streams Margaritaville brings to the project,” said Tabatchnick, refering to Buffet-themed shops, restaurants and bars expected to bring in day visitors. “A regularly flagged hotel would not be successful there.”

But the Planet Hollywood team rejects the Buffett boost as a tall tropical tale.

“At the end of the day, Margaritaville is a bar,” said Koslow. “What’s so special about a bar?”

A city panel will hear presentations from both developers Thursday in City Hall starting at 9 a.m. While no stars are expected for the selection panel, Koslow suggested Planet Hollywood would deploy some celebrity muscle for the final vote before city commissioners next month.

“It will be a classic Planet Hollywood presentation,” he said. “If you know the name . . . and the people involved in starting it, you’ll get an idea.”

Read the full article here.

There has been a slew of new products coming out lately from Margaritaville Enterprises, including flavored iced teas, frozen chicken wings, a new line of rum, and a line of outdoor furniture. “Margaritaville” was even trademarked for video game use last November.

Today another product was announced. Margaritaville, teaming up with Orange 21, will develop a line of eyewear that will hit retailers this summer:

The collaboration with Orange21 was a natural choice for Margaritaville, “America’s leading lifestyle brand.” Jimmy Buffett has personified the aviator/adventurer for three decades and his evocative lyrics and lifestyle have inspired a cross-generational following. The Margaritaville concept translates vividly into attire, foods, spirits, and party/tailgate essentials, attracting a diverse customer base that enjoys bringing Margaritaville with them wherever they go.

Orange21 is a premium producer of eyewear. Based in Carlsbad, California, the Orange21 brands — SPY Optic and O’NEILL Eyewear – have become market leaders in both style and quality. The addition of the Margaritaville Eyewear line to its growing stable of brands is another great story from the people who invite everyone to “Live Through Our Lens.”

“Orange21 is honored to be producing this line of eyewear for Jimmy and for Margaritaville. Jimmy’s life work continues to touch so many people and has basically defined the notion of FUN for all the right reasons. That’s the kind of friends we like to hang with!” says Stone Douglass, CEO of Orange21. “Adding Margaritaville Eyewear to our lineup is a continuation of our multi-branded strategy at Orange21 and we look forward to continued success as an expanding and authentic leader in the lifestyle eyewear market.”

Learn more about Jimmy’s business empire here.

The Tennessean has posted their full interview with Jimmy Buffett from a few days ago that was featured in this article about his new Margaritaville Cafe in Nashville.

In the full interview, Jimmy discusses how important Nashville is, and how deep his roots run there. He also talks about why he hasn’t played Nashville in several years (because they closed the outdoor venue).

On performing at the new cafe when it opens, Jimmy says “There’s always that chance. Let’s just say the track record, if you look back, I think I’ve played every one of them. The only one I haven’t played in is Panama City, and I’m going to do that pretty soon. I’ve got to do it when I come in and out. And it’s fun, it’s fun to have people you see there and to go back and do them. I was a bar player from the beginning, and I still kind of think of myself as a bar player.”

Read the full interview here.