Watch the news report announcing the openings here (3:05 mark).

Buffett played shows in Australia this past January for the first time in a couple decades.

(hat tip Jenny)

WBEZ has a video of the opening:

“From my earliest days in the city, playing the Quiet Knight on Belmont, to the pinnacle of live performances to me, singing in front of the ivy wall at Wrigley Field, I have had a long and wonderful history and affection for the people, the music, the art and the food of the Windy City,” said Jimmy Buffett. “I have always thought of Chicago as a beach town, a pretty big one, but still a beach town.”

The restaurant had hoped to open in time for Memorial Weekend, but was delayed by about three weeks.

The owners of Margaritaville hope to be open by Memorial Day weekend. Construction on this new Navy Pier restaurant is currently underway. The restaurant management is working to complete construction, and have the restaurant stocked and staffed for that weekend. At this time, they do not anticipate any delays, but in any new construction, unforeseen circumstances may delay the opening.

When first announced last fall, Buffett said “I couldn’t be more excited about Margaritaville arriving on the shores of Lake Michigan. From my earliest days in the city, playing the Quiet Knight on Belmont, to the pinnacle of live performances to me, singing in front of the ivy wall at Wrigley Field, I have had a long and wonderful history and affection for the people, the music, the art and the food of the Windy City. I have always thought Chicago as a beach town, a pretty big one, but still a beach town. I am happy to call Navy Pier home to Margaritaville. Fins Up Chicago.”

(hat tip truckie823)

Below are some photos from WSIX Big 98 Country (hat tip Ashley for passing them along):

View all of the photos here.

“Sitting at Margaritaville in Nashville!!!! Who shows up….. Yes JIMMY BUFFETT!!!! Totally unexpected by the workers and everyone else!!!!” — jscavitt

“Only in Nashville!! Jimmy buffet just walked into margaritaville in nashville!!” — Nashvilleblake

“Jimmy Buffett is in the house at Margaritaville. Like for real. The actual Jimmy Buffett.” — Jenny_Ann

Mac McAnally and Will Kimbrough are playing a show and we expect Jimmy will take the stage too at some point. We’ll provide more information as it becomes available.

Update – Jimmy has taken the stage:

(photo by @Jenny_Ann)

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean cuts the ribbon

The $10 million restaurant, located at 322 Broadway, will open at 11 am for lunch after a 10 am ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring project principals and local community leaders.

Live music will be featured daily and the restaurant will be open from 11 am to 3 am seven days a week.

If you’re in Nashville today and stop by, let us know what you think!

The $10 million restaurant, located at 322 Broadway, will open at 11 am for lunch after a 10 am ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring project principals and local community leaders.

“Buffett wants to make music a big part of the venue here, and the café is going to appeal to the young crowd, locals and visitors to our city,” said Mark Bloom, a principle in the project. “Besides the food and special drinks synonymous with Margaritaville, the music will be a special attraction.”

At street level there will be a restaurant, bar and three live-music stages. The second floor will house another bar, additional restaurant seating, and a “small concert hall with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system,” Bloom said.

Total seating capacity is 350, with about 200 in the concert hall upstairs.

Live music will be featured daily. The café will be open from 11 a.m.-3 a.m. seven days a week, Bloom said, and the entertainment will include “a nightly showcase of newcomers.”

Jimmy Buffett always plays a show at newly-opened Margaritavilles, but it can be as much as two months after it opens and is often times a surprise.