Atlantic City got another shot in the arm at the end of July when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a pink Hawaiian lei around his neck, joined singer Jimmy Buffett to announce that Resorts Casino Hotel is adding a $35 million casino complex under the Margaritaville brand in 2013.
“Today’s Margaritaville announcement is another great sign for Atlantic City and another important step forward in our efforts to revitalize Atlantic City as a premier resort and vacation destination,” said Governor Chris Christie. “The success of Atlantic City is critical to both the regional and state economics, which is why we have seen an unprecedented amount of investment and cooperation among all of the casinos, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, and my Administration. The continued addition of world-class entertainment, retail, and gaming offerings in the city illustrates the commitment of all partners to making this effort succeed. I congratulate both Resorts Casino Hotel and the Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville brand on making this a reality.”
The Margaritaville complex, estimated to cost at least $35 million, will include a casino, restaurant, year-round beach bar, Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar, Landshark Bar and Grill, retail stores, and a coffee shop.
“The Margaritaville project at Resorts is an amazing step forward for Atlantic City,” said Morris Bailey, owner of Resorts Casino Hotel. “Our investment coupled with the Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville brand is a huge coup for Atlantic City and I am extremely proud to say it was Resorts and the state of New Jersey that made it happen.”
The 942-room Resorts Casino Hotel has a casino, a 1,350-seat showroom, a 300-seat theater, six restaurants, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, dance club, lounges, health club and spa, retail shops, and 39,000 square feet of convention facilities including seven meeting rooms and a 13,000-square-foot ballroom.