Ahhh, the sun is shining, the sand is soft, and the surf is rolling. You’re on vacation in the Panama City Beach area and you absolutely love the beautiful sugar white beaches and the magnificent emerald green water. But… something’s missing. You can’t quite put a finger on it, but you know that your vision of the perfect getaway experience is incomplete. Perhaps a ‘Boat Drink’ or a ‘Big Rita’ will make the difference. Or, better yet, how about a thick and juicy ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’?

Yep, you guessed it. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is here, and it’s creating quite a stir. The restaurant and bar has captured the limelight since its opening at Pier Park in early March. Parrot Heads are rejoicing. So is everyone else, for that matter. The tropical oasis is literally a melting pot: locals and visitors—old and young alike—gather to enjoy the food, the fun, and the overall laid-back atmosphere.

For some, Margaritaville is a family-friendly eatery. For others, it represents a late-night hot spot. It’s also a place where diehard fans can kick off their shoes and belt out their favorite Buffett songs. The interior dining room features nautical décor and eye-catching screens that air recorded Buffett concerts. Larger-than-life props routinely come to life and invite the dining audience to sing and dance. The outdoor dining pavilion is simply a stone’s throw from the Gulf; it offers guests the opportunity to revel in the spectacular views and the refreshing breezes.

The menu offers everything from bar munchies to decadent desserts, with a long list of tall sandwiches, succulent seafood dishes, and mouthwatering burgers in between. Guests can savor the flavors of Key West by ordering conch chowder or conch fritters, along with a scrumptious slice of key lime pie. Everyday favorites such as pulled pork, jerk chicken, and fish tacos are available as well.

Micah Hatcher, a server at Margaritaville, raves: “I definitely enjoy working here. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to be yourself.” Hatcher, who has worked in the service industry for 20 years, knows an opportunity when he sees one. “I’ve worked for other large restaurant franchises in the past, but I feel most comfortable here.” He continues, “Since Buffett’s name is behind it, he has a vested interest. I was on a shift once where he dropped by, jumped up on the stage, and started singing. The crowd went wild!”

Simon Property Group’s Pier Park is an open-air retail environment that spans nearly 100 acres from Front Beach Road (at the City Pier) to the heavily-traveled Highway 98 (Back Beach Road). Les Morris, a Simon spokesperson, explains: “The architecture and amenities at Pier Park are a great fit for the Panama City Beach community. The shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offers local residents much-needed variety.” He notes, “Pier Park is also a regional draw. We expect to have visitors from across the Panhandle.”

Target, an anchor store open since October 2006, kicked off Phase I of the project. Panera Bread and Longhorn Steakhouse were also part of the first development stage. Other exciting retailers that are now open include Dillard’s, JCPenney, Ulta Cosmetics, and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Aside from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, hungry shoppers can dine at The Back Porch Seafood House & Oyster Bar, Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Brick Pizza, and the soon-to-open Guy Harvey’s Island Grill. Entertainment options at Pier Park include Southern Theatres’ 16-screen, 3,300-seat movie theater, which marks its one-year anniversary later this spring.

“The Bay County region has been very supportive of our efforts,” adds Morris. “The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce has been especially receptive. Simon is pleased to have such phenomenal support.”

For more information on Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, call (850) 235-7870 or visit www.margaritaville.com. For more information on Pier Park, visit www.pierparkretail.com.

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