[Aloha1]

Originally Posted by collie1228

I agree completely. While I don't see the "new" Lopez restaurant as "fine dining", it is a step up from the norm around here. We recently enjoyed lunch with our couples golf group and one of the couples told of their recent dinner experience at Lopez, which they said was good, but the bill for two was over $100.00 (including wine). The table seemed surprised at a dinner bill that high. I think that's probably the prevailing view in The Villages, and that's why a real "fine dining" restaurant would be a major risk for an investor. Unfortunately, you need a reliable expense account clientele to make it work.

Well then, perhaps you could explain the overwhelming success of Bluefin at Brownwood. Yes, there exists a portion of Villagers who think simple meat and potatoes is all they need and at no higher a price than $10. But there is a growing population here that wants better quality and variety of food and for which they are willing to pay. There is room for both. I don't think the new owners of Lopez built a menu that would ensure they were out of business in a few months.