'Front and center': Destin Commons to welcome Uncle Buck's FishBowl and Grill

After a relatively quiet few months on the construction front at Destin Commons, things are about to get vertical as the mall announced the addition of a key component to its 100,000-square foot expansion.

"We are very excited about the addition of Uncle Buck's FishBowl and Grill," said Bob Perry, general manager of Destin Commons. "We will be mobilizing Monday with the general contractor."

Uncle Buck's, a concept by Bass Pro Shops, will offer casual dining, an island-themed bar, 16 lanes of bowling with custom bowling balls featuring octopi and mermaids, and a billiards rooms. Uncle Buck's will boast 20,000-square feet and will be located on the south end of the expansion project near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 98 and Danny Wuerffel Way.

Destin Commons had been teasing the announcements of its two junior anchor businesses since May. One of which is Uncle Buck's, while the other is expected to be a major retailer.

Perry told The Log Friday morning that they were still finalizing some details with the retailers' international headquarters, but  an announcement on the second anchor business could come in the "next week or two."

Site work on the expansion project was completed a few months ago and construction was expected to begin June 1, but Perry told The Log there were a few delays in construction after they had to "go through a few plan revisions." The expansion is slated to wrap up in mid-2014.

"As always, our goal is to introduce nationally-recognized retailers and restaurants to the Northwest Florida region," Perry said in a press release.

Destin Commons currently boasts more than 75 stores and restaurants, but as part of the expansion project there are plans to add an additional 20-plus stores and restaurants to the mix that includes Belk, Bass Pro Shops, Hard Rock Cafe and  the 14-screen AMC Destin theater.

To learn more about the Uncle Buck's Fishbowl and Grill concept visit restaurants.basspro.com/UncleBucksFishBowl. There are currently locations in Altoona, Iowa, East Peoria, Ill., and in Harlingen, Texas.

"It's going to be front and center," Perry said of the newest addition to Destin Commons. "It's going to be great visibility for them, and for the center as well."