What ‘s open and will be opening at Branson Landing

In a May 23email discussing the opening of Branson Landing on May 26, Linda Antus, a spokesperson for the project, said, “The Branson Landing is moving from project to destination.” The email was a reply to a May 22, 2006 email sent by “The Ole Seagull” to Antus containing a series of questions about what the public can expect in Branson Landing as of May 26, 2006.

Bass Pro Shops will open to the public on June 8. The other major anchor, Belk, a department store, opened to the public on Mar. 30.

The email indicates that Branson Landing is “94% leased”and that 50 tenants including Belk will be open Memorial Weekend.” Antus said, “Openings will continue weekly over the next several months.”

On May 26, “Famous Dave’s,” a Bar-B-Que restaurant, will be opening. According to the reply it is expected that “Garfield’s will follow by June 1 with the other restaurants expected to open as follows: Waxy O’Shea’s June 16, Sullivan’s in June; Joe’s Crab Shack in July,” the White River Fish Company possibly in August, “Liberty Tavern in late September with Hilton; Cantina Laredo and Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding in late October.”

It appears that the $8 million “fire and water” show, one of Branson Landings major features, will not be fully operational as of May 26. When asked the questions “What is the anticipated operational status of the fountain as of the May 26 opening?” and “If the shows will not be starting as of that date is there an anticipated date,” the reply was, “We hope to have the water portion of the fountains working. Official dedication of the Water and Fire attraction will be on June 16 for the Summer Celebration.”

The other major unique feature of Branson Landing, the 3000 foot board walk along Lake Taneycomo, is also in doubt for the May 26 opening. When asked, “Will the board walk be open to the public as of May 26,” the reply was “The railing has been ordered and June 20 is the current anticipated opening of the boardwalk.”

In describing her vision of the Branson Landing experience, Antus said, “The promenade makes it feel like a small city within the city of Branson and with the entertainment of the fountains, the street performers, the lights and music it will make the destination a new and different extension of the Branson entertainment brand! That vision will begin to be realized on May 26.”