I was at pier park last night for grand opening

Awesome! We only patronized 2 places, Buffalo's Wild Wings and Hofbrau. All the shops seemed to be doing well. Buffalos and Hofbrau were packed. I have to admit I had my doubts about a German bar in PCB and I was dead wrong. I had a blast, dancing on the tables, making German toasts, and everybody got in on it. The place was so loud you have to holler at each other, its like a school cafeteria for beer. You sit at big tables with people you dont know, do some toasts together and get to know people. Then you move around to a different table and meet new people. This is an amazing concept and now i know why people like german beer gardens.
Buffalos had every table full at 8:00. Big screen tvs everywhere, poker, NTN. This place will do good year around.
These were the only 2 drinking establishments open. Five guys and Red Brick had quite a few people in there. I seen signs for numerous businesses that havent been mentioned in the papers. Some places looked to be close to opening, alot of others still have a ways to go. I sat across from 3 people that worked for Simon at Hofbraus. They said that they went 38 million over budget but they are confident it will be a good investment. I asked about the Fresh Market rumor posted here this week that it might be falling thru. They said that couldnt be further from the truth. Theres a store called Fresh Produce clothing store that pulled out and theyve been inundated with calls that it was Fresh Market. They said that FM had the highest rent per sq. ft. due to the expensive infrastructure to build it. They said across from the movie theaters are 2 big parcels that they want to put family entertainment in, possibly a upscale bowling alley and he had heard talk of wanting a Dave and Busters but it was just talk at this point. Next to Calypso tower 3, St. Joe owns this property and theres talk of a Hotel going in, mainly hearing Hilton. A Ruby Tuesdays already signed up but they say it will be later on. He expects a Olive Garden but it is not yet signed. As soon as they get all of Pier Park up and running, they will start on PP west. He said there are a few projects in the works but he would lose his job if he talked about it, but he said its big. Also while walking around last night I saw a Guy Harveys Island grill, the guy that does the fish shirts across from Back Porch, thats a new one I havent heard. I heard so much last night its hard to remember everything. When it comes to me I will post it. I have never been to a place with this much in one venue and I travel alot, we are very lucky.