Resorts president calls for Alantic City investment at $2M beach bar opening

As new casinos prepare to open in downstate New York, Resorts Casino Hotel has completed a $2 million beachfront expansion in Atlantic City, a move its leadership says is necessary to stay competitive in a changing gaming landscape.

The new beach bar and outdoor stage, located on the sand next to the Boardwalk, was developed by IMCMV Atlantic City LLC. The company operates Margaritaville-themed restaurants and entertainment venues across the United States and has been a partner of Resorts since May 2013.

“This is a great time to invest in Atlantic City,” Resorts President Mark Giannantonio said during the opening ceremony on Tuesday. “Those investing in Atlantic City are going to be on the verge of a great renaissance that I don’t think Atlantic City has seen.”

The project includes a tiki bar with a thatched roof, a new wooden deck, fire pits, cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cornhole games. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved the development in February.

“I’m excited to see what the next year holds as this complex expands,” said Sherry Young, senior vice president at IMCMV Atlantic City. “You can actually sit in the sand and have a drink in your hand.”

Construction was initially planned for the previous summer, but severe beach erosion made the area unsuitable for the project. A beach replenishment effort has since been completed in front of the property, allowing construction to move forward.

The casino recently opened another venue, Maya, a Boardwalk-side bar and tapas eatery. Both projects are among recent additions aimed at expanding non-gaming offerings.

“These partners have invested over $2 million on the beach when not a lot of people are investing money,” Giannantonio said, praising the investment by private companies as a sign of confidence in Atlantic City.

He cited recent turnout at the beachfront site as an example of the property's usage. “I was at this beach yesterday, and it was packed,” he said. “That’s what investment does.”

Giannantonio said projects such as these are part of the type of development Atlantic City will need as new competition emerges from the New York City area.