Grove Landmark, Scotty's Landing, May Be Replaced

COCONUT GROVE (CBSMiami) -- A Coconut Grove landmark is in danger of being shutdown. Scotty's Landing, which has served burgers and beers to locals and tourists for more than two decades, may be replaced.

According to CBS4 News partner The Miami Herald, the 35-year-lease for the Grove Key Marina is ending and Scotty's Landing is part of the property.

The landlord, which is the City of Miami, is seeking to upgrade both the marina and the restaurant.

The city has even published a worldwide request for proposals for an improved marina, including a "casual outdoor restaurant" that would appeal to both locals and tourists.

Scott Wessel, operator of both the marina and Scotty's, said he'll put in a bid for the new 40-year lease but the competition is expected to be tough.

The city is also separately seeking lease bids for Scotty's upscale neighbor, the Chart House, a landmark Grove restaurant whose star has faded in recent years. A spokeswoman for corporate parent Landry's, a Houston-based giant that runs casinos, owns Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and recently bought the Morton's steakhouse chain, said the company would bid to keep the Chart House.

Scotty's and the marina are expected to continue operating until November when the winning bids would go to a public referendum.

The request for bids comes as the city hopes to start implementing a Grove waterfront master plan designed to tidy up the urban village's picturesque but ramshackle shoreline and to improve public facilities and provide easier public access to the bay.

The plan also calls for demolition of the obsolete Coconut Grove Exhibition Center, temporarily a studio for the hit TV series Burn Notice. The center would be replaced by a park.

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