Lake Lanier Island Resort will unveil its newest destination this weekend, part of an effort to attract more boaters to the resort.

Gianni's, a new family-oriented Italian restaurant, will hold a grand opening Saturday with live entertainment, according to Grier Todd, the resort's chief operating officer.

"(Visitors can) let the kids enjoy the waterslides for a while, they enjoy the beach, then they have a place they can go sit down and have a nice family meal together," he said.

The restaurant is part of a face-lift the resort has been undergoing since it was bought in 2005.

Much of the effort is aimed at extending business to the 39,000 members of the local boating community, Todd said.

"The island had never really been open to the boating community," Todd said. "Last year, we decided to open the cove and to allow boats into it. ... It was just an overwhelming success."

The resort now offers free boat docking with easy access to the attractions and restaurants.

"We have a lot people that come down," Todd said. "They like to enjoy the beach area in the afternoon and then it just gives them an option in the evening."

Gianni's will serve subs, salads and pizzas with available seating overlooking the lake. Live artists will play Italian-themed classics. The restaurant is at Big Beach at Lanier World.

"It's really a neat looking place," Todd said. "We'll have all the fresh products as far as homemade pizzas and making everything from scratch. It's really a little unique."