“I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer
Well good God almighty which way do I steer for my
Cheeseburger in paradise”
Well, soon California, Maryland!
Live music each night, parties, island food and a tiki bar … Cheeseburger in Paradise is said to be Heaven on earth with an onion slice – and one of Jimmy Buffett’s island restaurants is planned for St. Mary’s County.
The corporation, which is a partner of Outback Steakhouse and Margaritaville, has submitted site plans to the permit department at St. Mary’s County. “The permit has not yet been approved, but architectural plans have been submitted,” Henry Knight of permitting, told The Bay Net. However, while the building has not been finalized, Cheeseburger In Paradise has definite plans to open in California, Knight confirmed. “They won’t begin building for at least 30 days,” he said, “because the permit hasn’t been granted yet.”
Anna-Marie Zazzero of the Cheeseburger In Paradise Company based in Florida said she was unable to provide information because there were still “contingencies.” However, she confirmed “We are looking in the California area.”
Josh Mitchell is the managing partner of the only current Cheeseburger In Paradise in Maryland. Speaking to The Bay Net from his restaurant in Pasadena, he said about the plans for the new opening, “We sure are – right there in California, Maryland.”
“It’s on the books to be opening this year in September,” said Mitchell. “Of course it’s a sliding scale, but our estimate and what we’re shooting for is September.”
Cheeseburger In Paradise is affiliated with singer/song writer and author Jimmy Buffett. Founded in 2002, the star performed at five out of the first six openings of new Cheese Burgers in Paradise. When asked if we can expect a visit from Jimmy to St. Mary’s County, Mitchell cautioned that it’s not guaranteed. “Nothing’s set in stone.” He said on Wednesday. “As Jimmy Buffett’s schedule gets busier and as we open more locations it gets harder for him to attend all the openings – and last year he had a book-signing tour.” Mitchell estimates Buffett attended two thirds of the openings that took place last year, despite being on the road promoting his novel, “A Salty Piece of Land.”
Legend has it that a group of sailors became lost in a storm, battered about for days in menacing waters off the Caribbean, with no food left to sustain them. Finally they spotted land on the horizon, and as they approached saw that they were heading for the site of a beach party. When the captain climbed off his broken boat a young waitress approached and asked him what she could bring. The captain wiped his face and replied, “This must be paradise. Bring me a cheeseburger and a beer.”
The legend of the sailors was Jimmy Buffett’s inspiration for his song and the restaurants both entitled “Cheeseburger In Paradise.” The restaurant serves fish and dishes influenced by New Orleans and the Caribbean, in addition to the American classic, the cheeseburger. The chain also incorporates a tiki bar inside its island-theme