Branson Landing Update

[Junior]

Last time I heard anything, a few months ago, Branson Landing was in terrible Financial shape. Has anyone heard anything new about what is going on there? I wonder if the landing still has the fire and water shows at the main fountain each evening? Anybody shopped or ate there as of late? How do things look there?

[mhguy77]

I was there and stayed at the Hilton in the convention hotel a few months back.
I had been to the landing before and was surprised how inconvenient it was to get from the hotel to the Landing proper.
I walked the promenade one evening and noted a fair amount of closed stores and restaurants.  I am guessing things aren't going well.
I myself don't mind paying to park in Chicago or NY but not in Branson, its a turn off, even though I do like to dine at the Macaroni Grill on the deck in back I don't go because of the issues of getting there, after a day at SDC I don't have the desire to find a parking space and take a walk to get to the restaurant.
They are still doing the fire and water thing, they are just not hopping in the food/shopping department.
Too bad

 

[bthomas]

Walking out the door and across the street?

[Copper]

I have heard a lot of bitter things about the landing, especially from people who own shops located in the non-landing areas of Branson, but When ever I go to the landing it’s always busy and most shops seem to be doing well. (Last night it was packed) Too bad that a few of the eateries have closed; the guy who owned them overextended himself and couldn’t handle all the business. I wish something cool like a Dave & Busters would go in across from Belks.

[Joy]

Ever since I first went to Dave & Busters in KC, I've insisted that Branson should get one. It's insanely fun and would be a family-friendly alternative to a casino as well as provide some much-needed nightlife.

[bthomas]

Dave and Busters seems like an overpriced video arcade to me.  I guess it would give families something to do....the the prices at my local location are outragous.  Isnt there enough to do in Branson without adding another overpriced tourist trap?

[Swoosh]

D&B is an adult Chucke Cheese's  -- don't hate

[HollyAnn]

I agree with needed night life.  After 8pm there is not much to do.  I think D&Bs would bring in a much needed younger crowd to help keep Branson going.  It makes me sad to see closed theaters, hotels, restaurants, and stores. 

[History Buff]

It's called sleeping - recharging for the next day.

[rubedugans]

Thats all we do...RECHARGE at night. I agree that the parking is a HUGE issue. The closed shops are a trend in malls all over the country. Union Station in StL, the former world's busiest train station (literally), is now a mall. Probably half of the shops are vacant.
http://www.stlouisunionstation.com/info/Architecture.cfm
 
I cannot tell you the last thing I bought there at the Landing other than dinner. I was shocked when I heard the news of the attempted terrorist activities (as they called them here in StL) this winter on the landing.

[betamike]

I'm somewhat impartial to this argument.  One one hand, I live in Orlando and it seems everyone is trying to get the Branson Landing to become (think International Drive).  I agree it is nice to have alternatives after a certain time.

On the other hand, a lot of people come to Branson to get something a bit different and don't mind that it provides a moment to unwind in the room after 10pm with the family.

Branson is a huge vacation destination, if shops don't succeed, then it could mean that people just don't want to come there for that.  Just look at most of the Outlet venues (except for possibly the Tanger).  I am inclined to think that people would rather enjoy the walk along the river and have a nice meal....or camp...or enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks...than shop at Hollister.

(On a side note, it was incredibly hard to describe to my father exactly what Hollister was and why it was named that since less than a mile away is....Hollister).

[MSUBear42]

Two restaurants I would like to see in Branson:

Margaritaville (That place would make a KILLING)
Hard Rock Cafe

[StaceySue]

We went to the Landing last night.  We ate at Garfield's--outside--lakeview.  Lots of people were walking and shopping.  I think every other person had a Kirkland's bag.  We love the atmosphere of the Landing.  We left about 9:00, but the piano bar was just getting started...

[rubedugans]

Margaritaville is alright, I would like to see LuLu's (Jimmu Buffett's sister restaurant in ALabama)

[Swoosh]

I wish they had a Pat O'Brians there.  They are a lot like the Piano Bar, but have much better food and drinks.  It is also Mardi Gras themed so it is a fun atmosphere