Jimmy Buffett And Gov. Christie Announce Plans To Bring 'Margaritaville' To Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Singer Jimmy Buffett is bringing one of his Margaritaville entertainment complexes to the Garden State.

The project will be part of the Resorts Casino Hotel.

Gov. Chris Christie joined Resorts Casino officials and Buffett on the Boardwalk on Tuesday to announce the plan.

Buffett operates a casino and restaurant company under the tropical-themed Margaritaville brand, inspired by the 1970's hit song of the same name. The first one opened in Florida's Key West.

Buffett said he is eager to help Atlantic City regain its place as a beach vacation destination.

Resorts will remodel some of its space to add the Margaritaville properties. A new restaurant and beach bar will also be built.

The Margaritaville complex at Resorts is due to open in 2013.

Christie called plans another important step forward in efforts to revitalize Atlantic City, whose casino revenues have been on a downward spiral.

He said Atlantic City's success is important both to the region and the state.

Resorts owner Morris Bailey said getting a Margaritaville is a coup for Atlantic City, providing a must-see attraction for the resort.

Buffett, who is scheduled to perform at Boardwalk Hall on Aug. 4, said he is eager to help the city regain its place as a beach vacation destination.

The tropical-themed Margaritaville complex at Resorts will include a casino, restaurant and bar, retail stores, LandShark Bar and Grill and year-round beach bar complex.

Four years ago, Buffett was involved in an effort, which fell through, to transform the former Trump Marina Hotel Casino into a Margaritaville resort.

Share your thoughts in the comments section below...

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)