Work Starts on “Margaritaville” in Atlantic City

Work is under way on a new $35 million Jimmy Buffet-themed entertainment complex on the Atlantic City beachfront.

Construction crews started work Wednesday on the Margaritaville complex at Resorts Casino Hotel as the casinos struggle to regain business after Superstorm Sandy.

Plans call for a 16,000-square foot restaurant called the Landshark Bar & Grill on a rebuilt Steeplechase Pier. There will be island-themed landscaping including palm trees, more than a dozen cabanas, two beach volleyball courts, a bocce ball court, two horseshoe pits, a fire pit and a surf shop.

Resorts president Gary Van Hettiga says the project is a declaration of faith in Atlantic City's evolution into a true destination resort with many other things to do besides gambling.

It's slated to open by Memorial Day weekend.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)