The The Arizona Republic has an article on a new Margaritaville Cafe that will open in the Summer of 2007: "Buffett’s Margaritaville Café coming to Valley"
Laid-back songster Jimmy Buffett is bringing one of his Margaritaville Cafés to the massive shopping and entertainment plaza that opens in Glendale next week.
The two-story restaurant, which will feature patio seating and a balcony overlooking the center’s $5 million Bellagio-like water fountain, is set to open next summer.
It’s the island-themed chain’s first entry into Arizona, and only its sixth location in the U.S. Others are based in Las Vegas, Orlando, New Orleans, Key West, Fla., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., with more based in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Known as Parrot Heads, Buffett fans can expect to find a range of tropical drinks and entrees, such as coconut shrimp and jerk chicken, at the Westgate restaurant.
Dan Leonard, president of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, said there are some natural tie ins between the restaurant and the nearby Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium.
“We feel there is a great crossover whether it’s having a meal and a beer before the game, or listening to the band, sitting by the fountain and continuing the party afterwards,” he said.
Work crews unveiled a Margaritaville billboard at the development Thursday evening in the main plaza where the 20,000-square-foot restaurant will be located.
Jeffrey Hecht, spokesman for developer Ellman Cos., said Margaritaville would play a key role in the future success of the center, at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue.
"This is an exclusive, exciting name brand coming to Westgate," he said. "It validates the type of project we’re putting together and will serve as one of the center’s entertainment anchors."