While the Landshark Bar & Grill won’t open until Friday, the Landshark Surfshack retail shop has opened its doors in Myrtle Beach:

The LandShark Surfshack, part of the $12 million trio of attractions coming to Myrtle Beach that includes the SkyWheel and Jimmy Buffett’s LandShark Bar & Grill, opened late Tuesday, said Julie Foshage, the SkyWheel’s marketing director.

The store sells merchandise for the SkyWheel and items themed around the LandShark Lager beer brand.

The store will be open until 10 p.m. today, then open at 10 a.m. Thursday. It will close early Thursday for a 7 p.m. VIP event.

The Landshark Bar & Grill restaurant will open on Friday, after a 10 am ribbon-cutting ceremony. Also opening that day is the SkyWheel attraction.

The newest Margaritaville venture is on track to open in three weeks. The Landshark Bar & Grill and the adjoining Skywheel are nearing completion and will serve as the anchor to the new Oceanfront Boardwalk development in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Crews were busy last week building the other part of the attraction, Jimmy Buffett’s LandShark Bar & Grill. They have about three weeks to finish so the restaurant and ride can meet the scheduled May 19 opening.

“We are on track,” Trout said.

The work hasn’t been without its challenges. The wheel and restaurant are being built on about a half acre, which doesn’t leave much room for cranes and other heavy equipment, Trout said. They’ve had to schedule lighter work late at night so that could be done and another set of workers arrive first thing the next day.

Inspired by the great “beach joints” that once dotted the Atlantic coast, LandShark Bar & Grill will be the perfect blend of ocean breezes, boardwalk action, spectacular views, great food, generous drinks, your favorite beach tunes and good old fashion fun. The LandShark Surfshack will offer an array of merchandise themed around the popular beer brand, LandShark Lager, as well as a selection of Sky Wheel souvenirs. LandShark’s laid back atmosphere, casual dining, bar and entertainment will soon be a favorite with both tourists and the Grand Strand’s local residents.

“We love Myrtle Beach and are thrilled to bring our new concept LandShark Bar and Grill to this exciting project,” said Tamara Baldanza, Director of Marketing for Margaritaville Hospitality Group. “The beach location will be the perfect spot to take a ride on the new SkyWheel, grab a bite to eat, listen to some music and hang out for a while.”

The naming rights to the Miami Dolphins’ home field have been sold again. The team is expected on Wednesday to announce a five-year deal with Canadian-based Sun Life Financial that will give the stadium its second name change in as many years.

The move was not unexpected. When the deal with Land Shark Lager, a Jimmy Buffett branded beer brewed by Anheuser-Busch, was signed last May, the parties made clear it was a one-year deal that would end at the conclusion of the Orange Bowl.

The deal with Sun Life is reportedly worth $7.5 million per year.

In May, Jimmy performed at a press event announcing the deal. He also played a show outside the stadium before the Monday Night game on September 21st when the Dolphins hosted the Colts.

A special charity event will be held at the Viceroy Hotel in Miami the day before the Super Bowl, and Jimmy Buffett will be in attendance as an honorary co-chair.

“Super Brunch” is an invitation-only event that will benefit Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer’s Camp Erin foundation and super chef Mario Batali’s foundation. The benefit includes:

• Gourmet brunch, cocktails – menu designed by Mario Batali
• Food demos with Mario and Emeril Lagasse!
• LIVE entertainment by Bernie Williams
• Auctions

Lagasse and late-night TV show host Jimmy Fallon are both co-chairs also (see Jimmy’s 2009 appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon here), and Land Shark Lager is a corporate sponsor of the event.

Find out how you can support this charitable event here.