29-Story Margaritaville Hotel Coming To Times Square

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Jimmy Buffet's straying a long way from the beach for his new business venture. The laid-back singer is trading in soft sands and ocean breezes for the hustle of Times Square.

Margaritaville Holdings, the company that runs Buffet's Margaritaville hotels and restaurants, announced that it's constructing a 29-story, 234-room resort on the corner of Seventh Avenue and West 40th Street. The new hotel is expected to open in 2020, according to a press release.

"Margaritaville brings fun, relaxation and a much-needed escape from the every day to any set of coordinates," John Cohlan, chief executive officer of Margaritaville, said in a statement. "The Margaritaville Resort Hotel and the lifestyle experience it offers will be the perfect complement to the exciting, fast-paced energy of Times Square and we can't wait to bring this destination to the travelers and residents of New York City."

Rumors of Margaritaville's interest in the site were first reported in November. The Times Square Margaritaville Resort is expected to cost $300 million and will feature "several Margaritaville food and beverage concepts," a rooftop pool and retail businesses, according to a press release.

All of Margaritaville's hotels and restaurants are inspired by the "no worries" vibe of musician Jimmy Buffet. who's hits include "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise." Margaritaville Holdings LLC was incorporated by Buffett in 1997 and is a subsidiary of Cheeseburger Holding Company, LLC, according to the Bloomberg business profile.

The company currently operates 12 hotels, four gaming businesses and more than 60 food and beverage businesses, according to a press release. Most Margaritaville hotels are located in tropical destinations such as Key West, the Cayman Islands and along the Gulf of Mexico.

Photos courtesy Margaritaville/The McBride Company