Plans have been filed for a new Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant at 2301 Laguna Blvd in South Padre Island. The proposed structure would rise three stories and total 18,042 square feet. This location is currently home to Coconut Jack’s, a waterfront seafood and burger restaurant. The filing describes “ground-up construction,” which often requires demolition. However, no public statement has been made about Coconut Jack’s future.
Construction is expected to begin in July 2025 and be completed by July 2026. The address is located near Gravity Park and several high-traffic restaurants and attractions. In 1960, the site was largely untouched. Aerial images from the era show sand and minimal development along the Laguna Madre shoreline.
Over time, this area became a bustling commercial zone. Businesses like Louie’s Backyard and Liam’s Steak House now operate along the bayfront. Coconut Jack’s fits into this coastal mix with open-air seating and a popular patio view. The area may see a major transformation if the Bubba Gump project proceeds. A three-story restaurant would stand out among nearby buildings and could attract large crowds.
From Open Coastline to Commercial Hub
The site at 2301 Laguna Blvd has seen decades of change. In 1960, aerial imagery showed undeveloped land with sparse infrastructure. The surrounding area has since transformed into a dense corridor of restaurants, lodging, and tourist attractions. Today, it’s flanked by businesses like Louie’s Backyard and Liam’s Steak House, all clustered near the base of the Queen Isabella Causeway.
Recent street-level imagery shows the location hosting Coconut Jack’s, a laid-back eatery with patio views of the Laguna Madre. The restaurant has maintained steady popularity, attracting beachgoers and visitors drawn to the island’s sunset dining scene.
The site’s bayfront setting and proximity to popular destinations like Gravity Park and the Holiday Sandcastle Village make it a strategic spot for any restaurant brand.
About Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a seafood restaurant chain themed after the 1994 film Forrest Gump. The concept was launched in 1996 as a partnership between Paramount Pictures and Rusty Pelican Restaurants Inc. Its first location opened in Monterey, California.
Today, the brand operates more than 25 locations across the United States and abroad, often in tourist-heavy waterfront areas. Known for its shrimp-heavy menu, Forrest Gump-themed decor, and gift shops, Bubba Gump locations typically appeal to travelers looking for familiar, family-friendly dining in vacation destinations.
The proposed South Padre Island location would become one of the chain’s only Texas Gulf Coast spots, joining others in places like Galveston and San Antonio.
Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by F.E.M