[JoMar]

What has happened to Honest John, there was a time when ou had to wait to get in, the menu was robust and the staff was up beat and cheerful. We had friends visiting from PA and they remembered it from their last visit and wanted to return. We had reduced the time we spent there because the menu kept shrinking. They also remembered a sauce that was prepared for the steaks. We found the menu had shrunk even farther, no steaks on the menu and the sauce was gone. The menu was "blah". The people had no energy and seemed to be going through the motions. Even though there was no line and plenty of empty tables it took a good 10 minutes for the hostess to show up seat us. We left and went to Red Sauce which was packed with people waiting, servers had great energy and, as usual, an extensive menu and great food. So what happened to Honest John's? Since I think the ownership is the same for City Fire did they extend themselves to far with this venture? It had great potential when it opened but I no longer think that is the case.

[simpkinp]

I had a nice lunch there last week with a group of friends. The food was good (half portobello mushroom burger and cup of soup). Place was empty but good service

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by JoMar

What has happened to Honest John, there was a time when ou had to wait to get in, the menu was robust and the staff was up beat and cheerful. We had friends visiting from PA and they remembered it from their last visit and wanted to return. We had reduced the time we spent there because the menu kept shrinking. They also remembered a sauce that was prepared for the steaks. We found the menu had shrunk even farther, no steaks on the menu and the sauce was gone. The menu was "blah". The people had no energy and seemed to be going through the motions. Even though there was no line and plenty of empty tables it took a good 10 minutes for the hostess to show up seat us. We left and went to Red Sauce which was packed with people waiting, servers had great energy and, as usual, an extensive menu and great food. So what happened to Honest John's? Since I think the ownership is the same for City Fire did they extend themselves to far with this venture? It had great potential when it opened but I no longer think that is the case.

This is a repeat story for the last 10 years of several restaurants in TV.

[Chatbrat]

Its the height of snow bird season, if the place is empty--its saying something--the word is out--its going to sink- been stating--for awhile-that Honest John's is no longer worth a visit

[jbbarnard]

I'm here at Honest Johns now. We sat and sat waiting for water. And for the popcorn and still hav no food. I tried to get to wave down a hostess who looked at me then kept walking. Wait! SOME food just came. Definitely not all. Probably won't be back.

[NYGUY]

I heard a rumor that Honest John's was going to close. Does anyone know if their is any truth to that?

[Chatbrat]

If a business is losing $$, they will close-- the cost of being attendant in the villages is a killer for businesses-percentage of gross sales + rent is a tough nut to break

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

If a business is losing $$, they will close-- the cost of being attendant in the villages is a killer for businesses-percentage of gross sales + rent is a tough nut to break

But many do. The owners of City Fire own Honest Johns so they know how to make it work here. This was going to be a place that would not compete for City Fire customers. We don't know their business plan but evidently it was flawed.

[Chatbrat]

They didn't know the real demographics of their customer base. IMHO, people in the villages are not adventuresome for food, no entrees over $15.00 and no drinks over $5.00 unless its happy hour

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

They didn't know the real demographics of their customer base. IMHO, people in the villages are not adventuresome for food, no entrees over $15.00 and no drinks over $5.00 unless its happy hour

Since the owner owns two other successful establishements here, one of them for years, I would think he knows the demo. I agree that people in The Villages won't suport higher end resturaunts inside and those that want a higher level will leave the bubble and find them. Honest Johns may have been an experiemt to see if he could raise the level with the understanding that it could fail. As food and service declines they may be trying to see where the bottom is and if they get there, can it make a profit. Who knows.

[My Daily Run]

Rumor...Guy Fiori from the Food Network is going to open it...really

[JoMar]

Will it be a diner, drive in or a dive?

[Chatbrat]

Male it a "Crazy Country Club"--"Warm Beer & Lousy Food" --a Brooklyn fun joint for many years

[Jima64]

Maybe they are just running out their lease.

[Ithreeputtoo]

I heard a rumor that Honest John's has new owners in the last couple of days and that might have something to do with the issues mentioned here. Not sure but want to post what I heard.