A Tropical Paradise Sweeps Over Universal CityWalk with the Opening of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Restaurant

The countdown is on to 5 O'Clock as Universal CityWalk toasts the arrival of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant to the destination-the first-ever in California-with an exclusive performance by singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band on Thursday, March 30.

Fans can enter to win tickets to Buffett's invite-only performance on the Margaritaville stage at http://www.citywalkhollywood.com/margaritavillesweeps.

Margaritaville is more than a restaurant, it's a state of mind as the spirited new venue brings a seaside retreat to Universal CityWalk that continues to resonate as one of L.A.'s most influential lifestyle centers. Margaritaville is now open, serving lunch and dinner.

Margaritaville at Universal CityWalk Hollywood invites guests to escape the everyday as they dine in a casual environment amid palm trees, thatched enclaves, island music and surfboard tables and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, live music and entertainment and signature dishes such as LandShark Lager Fish & Chips, Jimmy's Jammin' Jambalaya®, Volcano Nachos or a Cheeseburger in Paradise®.

The venue's expansive 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar located at the center of the restaurant offers a selection of refreshing specialty drinks, including the Who's to Blame® Margarita or the 5 O'Clock Somewhere boat drink.

For over 20 years, Universal CityWalk has boosted the city's rhythm through a foundation built on providing memorable entertainment experiences. With a series of dramatic enhancements currently underway from new restaurants, shopping experiences and visually-aesthetic design features to its multi-million dollar Universal Cinema renovation, the spotlight shines brightly on CityWalk as it continues to invest in an ambitious revitalization and remain best in class.

This significant undertaking coincides with Universal Studios Hollywood's recent epic transformation in which 75 percent of the world-class theme park was completely reimagined.

Introduced in 1993, CityWalk was constructed in collaboration with visionary architect Jon Jerde as the prototypical one-stop leisure destination that redefined the mall of yesteryear as a vibrant multi-sensory outdoor complex. With grand neon signs and larger-than-life decorative sculptures complementing the diverse offerings, this whimsical street was reflective of L.A.'s eclectic landscape and distinguishing characteristics.

More information on Universal CityWalk is available at http://www.CityWalkHollywood.com or at http://www.citywalkhollywood.com/Dine/Casual-Dining/Jimmy-Buffett-s-Margaritaville/. Regular updates can also be found on CityWalk's Twitter @CityWalkLA, Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood and Instagram @CityWalkLA.

Margaritaville is a global brand inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and author, Jimmy Buffett, whose songs evoke a passion for tropical escape and relaxation. Since launching its first restaurant location in Key West, Fla. in 1987, Margaritaville has become America's leading lifestyle escapism brand.

Today, Margaritaville features nine destination resorts/hotels across the Southeast United States and Caribbean and eight additional locations in active development; four gaming locations; and more than 60 food and beverage locations including signature concepts such as Margaritaville Restaurant, award-winning JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and LandShark Bar & Grill, among others. More than 15 million travelers every year change their latitude and attitude with a visit to a Margaritaville residential real estate destination, vacation club/vacation home rental, restaurant and full-service AAA Four-Diamond resort.

Consumers can also escape everyday through a collection of Margaritaville lifestyle products including apparel for men and women, footwear, frozen concoction makers, home décor and more. Additionally, the brand's food, beverage and spirits lines – including Margaritaville tequilas, rums, LandShark Lager and Island Tea – deliver authentic, tropical escapism to fans around the world. Margaritaville, a state of mind since 1977.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include "The Wizarding World of Harry Potte" which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" and "Flight of the Hippogrif," Universal Studios Hollywood's first outdoor roller coaster. Other immersive lands include "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" and "Super Silly Fun Land" as well as "Springfield," hometown of America's favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning "The Simpsons Rid" and the "The Walking Dead" daytime attraction.

The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood's signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world's biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as "Fast & Furious-Supercharged." The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, completely redesigned Universal Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the "5 Towers" state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.