Two day experience of a couple on the lifestyle preview couple and myself.

[nitehawk]

Two day experience of a couple on the lifestyle preview couple and myself.
Monday I suggested dinner at Nancy Lopez for dinner – forgetting it was lobster night
Which is fine as we did not mind waiting – it was a pleasant evening and sitting outside was fine with us – well-- after 1hour and 15 minutes the buzzer starts beeping and we go inside to the desk to be seated. “Follow me” is announced by one of the two or three expediters – so off we go in single line through the seating area – then she opens the rear door (to the patio) and there are about 10 tables (about half taken) and tells us this is our table here in the corner. I said “ I do not think so” and tell her we would like to be seated inside an not on the patio where lunch is served. As we are making an about-face I see the expediter put up the menu (she was carrying) up in front of her mouth and say something to the waiter who was waiting to serve us – then a shug of the shoulder – as to say “ well we tried” I asked to speak the so called manager name “August” and asked if that was normal procedure to seat people outside on the patio without asking. I told Mr. August ( what ever is name is) that I did not think that was a way to run a (so called upscale) restaurant. It was just the attitude of the staff that bothered me .,. So much for the lifestyle preview impression. So lets forget it - and move on.
Next day Tuesday – after golf we went to Cody’s for some lunch—Table for three outside and waited ( not very long) for waitress . Round of drinks and menu give – fine
Order taken . I had ordered off the bar menu and the others regular lunch. Again after about 15 minutes – no problem – Two lunches come out and nothing said about the third being prepared or will be out soon. Five minutes later is see waitress fly by the table to a group of golfer who were seated near us – with something on the plate that looked like what I had ordered – thinking she will be back with my order, when she finds out it is not there order. But no she comes back empty handed and goes right by the table. Now we do not see the waitress for quite awhile. I am thinking – it’s a small order – onion rings a bar hamburger –maybe just put the order in and it will only be a minute - but no site of the waitress. Now as everyone is done with there lunch and mine has not arrived yet – along comes the manager (bill) who does not stop at he table and as he literally flies by asking is everything “ok” and keeps going --- woo woo – no everything is not OK - what is the problem he asks – I never got my order --- his answer is “oh” I know all about it - your order was given to someone else by mistake, Now I ask him did he not think it would be nice to come to the table and explain to us the problem and not just fly by and say “everything Ok” and keep going.. Not very professional – he now says he will not charge me for the meal I did not get --- I told him that was nice of him--- I don’t want any free food or drinks and I will not pay for anything I did not get…. He said sorry – and we left
Again nice experience for a couple on lifestyle preview --- Is good help that hard to find or is it just “I don’t really care attitude”
I am sending an email to the sales rep. that had the couple and maybe have him send a apology and say this is not really a true reflection of the villages Or is it ---- thing have changed in the ten years I have been here and it is not for the better --- too large ---- build –build---build – more homes – more homes ---over crowded no more the friendliest town

[asianthree]

We had our lunch not come for an hour in not busy restaurant. ..but we are up north and staff blames the snow..sooooooo

[theorem painter]

Although you truly had a horrible experience I don't know if it is appropriate to expect a sales rep to apologize for poor service at independently owned restaurants. The Villages has no control over this. The only people who have control are the consumer who will not continue to go to establishments that have poor customer service. Don't give up on The Villages yet.

[graciegirl]

It is the most busy time in all of high season right now. Most of us expect some glitches and long wait times.

Did anything WONDERFUL happen that you would like to share?


I mean, come on now.......anything wonderful???????

[Cobh521]

The crowds are expected for this time of year. We try not to go out for dinner during this time and cook at home. There is no excuse for a bad attitude , however, I do think customers need to have a little more patience also. I have encountered a lot of people this time of the year who are in a hurry. They cut you out of line in the super markets, take a parking spot you are waiting for with your blinker on and don't look at you, cut in line in the restaurants to put their name in , etc, etc, etc.

[Trayderjoe]

Although you truly had a horrible experience I don't know if it is appropriate to expect a sales rep to apologize for poor service at independently owned restaurants. The Villages has no control over this. The only people who have control are the consumer who will not continue to go to establishments that have poor customer service. Don't give up on The Villages yet.

Well said!

[buggyone]

Two day experience of a couple on the lifestyle preview couple and myself.
Monday I suggested dinner at Nancy Lopez for dinner – forgetting it was lobster night
Which is fine as we did not mind waiting – it was a pleasant evening and sitting outside was fine with us – well-- after 1hour and 15 minutes the buzzer starts beeping and we go inside to the desk to be seated. “Follow me” is announced by one of the two or three expediters – so off we go in single line through the seating area – then she opens the rear door (to the patio) and there are about 10 tables (about half taken) and tells us this is our table here in the corner. I said “ I do not think so” and tell her we would like to be seated inside an not on the patio where lunch is served. As we are making an about-face I see the expediter put up the menu (she was carrying) up in front of her mouth and say something to the waiter who was waiting to serve us – then a shug of the shoulder – as to say “ well we tried” I asked to speak the so called manager name “August” and asked if that was normal procedure to seat people outside on the patio without asking. I told Mr. August ( what ever is name is) that I did not think that was a way to run a (so called upscale) restaurant. It was just the attitude of the staff that bothered me .,. So much for the lifestyle preview impression. So lets forget it - and move on.
Next day Tuesday – after golf we went to Cody’s for some lunch—Table for three outside and waited ( not very long) for waitress . Round of drinks and menu give – fine
Order taken . I had ordered off the bar menu and the others regular lunch. Again after about 15 minutes – no problem – Two lunches come out and nothing said about the third being prepared or will be out soon. Five minutes later is see waitress fly by the table to a group of golfer who were seated near us – with something on the plate that looked like what I had ordered – thinking she will be back with my order, when she finds out it is not there order. But no she comes back empty handed and goes right by the table. Now we do not see the waitress for quite awhile. I am thinking – it’s a small order – onion rings a bar hamburger –maybe just put the order in and it will only be a minute - but no site of the waitress. Now as everyone is done with there lunch and mine has not arrived yet – along comes the manager (bill) who does not stop at he table and as he literally flies by asking is everything “ok” and keeps going --- woo woo – no everything is not OK - what is the problem he asks – I never got my order --- his answer is “oh” I know all about it - your order was given to someone else by mistake, Now I ask him did he not think it would be nice to come to the table and explain to us the problem and not just fly by and say “everything Ok” and keep going.. Not very professional – he now says he will not charge me for the meal I did not get --- I told him that was nice of him--- I don’t want any free food or drinks and I will not pay for anything I did not get…. He said sorry – and we left
Again nice experience for a couple on lifestyle preview --- Is good help that hard to find or is it just “I don’t really care attitude”
I am sending an email to the sales rep. that had the couple and maybe have him send a apology and say this is not really a true reflection of the villages Or is it ---- thing have changed in the ten years I have been here and it is not for the better --- too large ---- build –build---build – more homes – more homes ---over crowded no more the friendliest town

The OP did not mention what time they arrived at Lopez for dinner on Monday. Being the best place AND lobster night, just EXPECT a long wait. Sitting on the patio is nice but you can specify indoor seating when you check in. If the OP has lived in The Villages for 10 years, he should have known.

At Codys, the OP was in the outdoor bar area. He could have gotten up and asked the bartender where his food was instead of sitting.

These two minor experiences do not even deserve to be mentioned on a forum.

[TVMayor]

Seeing the Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club and Cody’s are not owned or operated by the sales rep or his office and both are private business I would suggest you communicate with the restaurant managers.

[CFrance]

The OP did not mention what time they arrived at Lopez for dinner on Monday. Being the best place AND lobster night, just EXPECT a long wait. Sitting on the patio is nice but you can specify indoor seating when you check in. If the OP has lived in The Villages for 10 years, he should have known.

At Codys, the OP was in the outdoor bar area. He could have gotten up and asked the bartender where his food was instead of sitting.

These two minor experiences do not even deserve to be mentioned on a forum.

I do believe that in these busy months you must be a little proactive, and also think ahead. Go after your food in case someone just plain forgot (it happens), and plan your mealtimes around what's likely to be a very busy time.

[perrjojo]

Monday night Rocky and the Rollers were playing at Brownwood. We arrived around 6:30 as the band was just going on break. Every spot and restaurant was packed. City Fire had a hour and a half wait. We went to Five Guys Burgers and the line had at least 50 people ahead of us. I cannot compliment them enough. The line moved quickly and efficiently. They were well prepared for the rush. It was amazing watching the team of about 10 roll out those burgers. They were hustling like it was an Olympic event! Oh, and the burgers were great.

[Happy Snowbird]

We had issues with the uncaring manager at Cody's. Weren't charged because meal wasn't edible but only after telling him we should not be charged. Very arrogant uncaring attitude.

[mixsonci]

The OP did not mention what time they arrived at Lopez for dinner on Monday. Being the best place AND lobster night, just EXPECT a long wait. Sitting on the patio is nice but you can specify indoor seating when you check in. If the OP has lived in The Villages for 10 years, he should have known.

At Codys, the OP was in the outdoor bar area. He could have gotten up and asked the bartender where his food was instead of sitting.

These two minor experiences do not even deserve to be mentioned on a forum.

Seriously, you are all blaming the OP for such poor service and management? The manager runs past their table and says as he's running by "Oh I know all about that, it was given away by mistake, but I won't charge you for it?" Are you kidding? I don't care how busy they are, there is no excuse for such rudeness and blatant disregard for a customer. Since when do you go to a restaurant to "chase" after your own dinner after waiting 1/2 hour or more because you assume the restaurant is competent? However, at least he wasn't hungry anymore, he probably lost his appetite.

[OBXNana]

This is a very similar senero we had at Christmas in Busch Gardens, VA with our grandchildren in early December. This is not an isolated case to The Villages.

I hope you can see past the inconvenience that can happen in any city, at any time, and not judge by one visit to The Villages.

[Suzi]

I am a newbie and had an interesting situation this past November at City Fire. At about 3 pm had a meeting planned. Got there, seated and waited for a server and guest to arrive. My guest and I waited 45 minutes for a server and finally flagged someone down. The server was kind and took our beverage and food order. He brought MY beverage and then nothing else. We never saw him again. We couldn't seem to flag someone down who would send a server to our table but other tables around us were seated, served and left.
We think : 1st we had no server whatsoever; 2nd the server we spoke to left to go home; 3rd no one was apparently assigned to our table.

I was/am a newbie and didn't want to make a scene in my new home - so after 2 hours we left. I now know I should have asked to see a manager, but I also think one of the other servers who we asked to find someone to help us....should have done that. My take-away from this situation is to ask to speak to a manager. A lesson learned for me.
But it is a little hard for me as I tend to be a quiet and very mild mannered person. Its just easier for me to walk away - than to be confrontational (even nicely). I'll need to work on thickening my skin.

[duffysmom]

You will have similar problems in any resort area of Florida at this time of year.

[golf2140]

Folks are knocking this post. They received bad service, and they are letting us know. Give them a break

[redwitch]

I appreciate the comments about the bad service but I'm not convinced this should color a lifetime visit. Fortunately, TV is so much more than its restaurants. Hopefully, nitehawk and guests found much else to enjoy.

[keithwand]

So how was the lobster?
Sitting outside is preferable to some specially as nice as last night.
4 of us sat at the open bar at Eaton Grille then were fortunate to get a table outside of the garage doors.
It was packed with Villagers (lots wearing CC logo'd shirts).
Way more to do here than just Codys and Lopez.

[rayschic]

Two day experience of a couple on the lifestyle preview couple and myself.
Monday I suggested dinner at Nancy Lopez for dinner – forgetting it was lobster night
Which is fine as we did not mind waiting – it was a pleasant evening and sitting outside was fine with us – well-- after 1hour and 15 minutes the buzzer starts beeping and we go inside to the desk to be seated. “Follow me” is announced by one of the two or three expediters – so off we go in single line through the seating area – then she opens the rear door (to the patio) and there are about 10 tables (about half taken) and tells us this is our table here in the corner. I said “ I do not think so” and tell her we would like to be seated inside an not on the patio where lunch is served. As we are making an about-face I see the expediter put up the menu (she was carrying) up in front of her mouth and say something to the waiter who was waiting to serve us – then a shug of the shoulder – as to say “ well we tried” I asked to speak the so called manager name “August” and asked if that was normal procedure to seat people outside on the patio without asking. I told Mr. August ( what ever is name is) that I did not think that was a way to run a (so called upscale) restaurant. It was just the attitude of the staff that bothered me .,. So much for the lifestyle preview impression. So lets forget it - and move on.
Next day Tuesday – after golf we went to Cody’s for some lunch—Table for three outside and waited ( not very long) for waitress . Round of drinks and menu give – fine
Order taken . I had ordered off the bar menu and the others regular lunch. Again after about 15 minutes – no problem – Two lunches come out and nothing said about the third being prepared or will be out soon. Five minutes later is see waitress fly by the table to a group of golfer who were seated near us – with something on the plate that looked like what I had ordered – thinking she will be back with my order, when she finds out it is not there order. But no she comes back empty handed and goes right by the table. Now we do not see the waitress for quite awhile. I am thinking – it’s a small order – onion rings a bar hamburger –maybe just put the order in and it will only be a minute - but no site of the waitress. Now as everyone is done with there lunch and mine has not arrived yet – along comes the manager (bill) who does not stop at he table and as he literally flies by asking is everything “ok” and keeps going --- woo woo – no everything is not OK - what is the problem he asks – I never got my order --- his answer is “oh” I know all about it - your order was given to someone else by mistake, Now I ask him did he not think it would be nice to come to the table and explain to us the problem and not just fly by and say “everything Ok” and keep going.. Not very professional – he now says he will not charge me for the meal I did not get --- I told him that was nice of him--- I don’t want any free food or drinks and I will not pay for anything I did not get…. He said sorry – and we left
Again nice experience for a couple on lifestyle preview --- Is good help that hard to find or is it just “I don’t really care attitude”
I am sending an email to the sales rep. that had the couple and maybe have him send a apology and say this is not really a true reflection of the villages Or is it ---- thing have changed in the ten years I have been here and it is not for the better --- too large ---- build –build---build – more homes – more homes ---over crowded no more the friendliest town

Did they like other things about the Villages ? Are they going to buy ?
Two negative experiences at non-Villages owned restaurants wouldn't change my mind about the wonderful lifestyle we have here. I hope that they enjoyed the rest of their stay here and will be back.

[Barefoot]

The OP did not mention what time they arrived at Lopez for dinner on Monday. Being the best place AND lobster night, just EXPECT a long wait. Sitting on the patio is nice but you can specify indoor seating when you check in. If the OP has lived in The Villages for 10 years, he should have known.

At Codys, the OP was in the outdoor bar area. He could have gotten up and asked the bartender where his food was instead of sitting.

These two minor experiences do not even deserve to be mentioned on a forum.

I disagree that these experiences don't deserve to be mentioned on TOTV. I think that the OP has every right to start a thread and write a long post on this forum. But we also have the right to make comments on his post. And I do agree with Buggy that these were two very minor annoyances.

Many people would consider themselves fortunate to be seated on the patio during this hot weather. I'd be delighted to sit outside. I think it's "normal" to specify either indoor or outdoor when you register at the front desk, if you have a strong preference. So I don't think this was a "wrong move" by Lopez.

At Cody's, ... that was definitely a wrong move by the waitress. But easy to fix. It's probably happened to all of us at one time or another. If it's obvious to me that my meal has been overlooked, I ask the next passing waiter to send over my waitress. Should that be necessary, no. Is it something that happens, yes. To me it's no big deal.

Hopefully, the OP's friends had many positive experiences while they were on their lifestyle preview. The Villages is a big city now, with a lot of gridlock at this time of year. But still a fabulous Retirement Community.

I sure don't think the Sales Rep should be asked to apologize for any of the experiences of this couple, other than if they had a bad experience with the agent's handling of their real estate needs.

[justjim]

Nitehawk: Sorry you and your guests had such a bad Experence at Lopez and Cody's. Unfortunately, similar experiences seem to happen all too often at Village restaurants and none of us really have a good answer for incompetent management and staff.

That said, from what little I know, the restaurant business is "tough" and it is difficult to get good help----everywhere these days.

Just to let you know (without details)we did not have the best of experiences on our first visit to TV either but ........ Here we are!

I'm sure you felt terrible (I would be and also embarrassed) as you were trying your best to show them a good time in TV. Hopefully, some good times were had before they had to leave. Almost "anything" beats the 52 inches of Chicago area snow so far this year!

[ilovetv]

Look at it this way:

a) You and preview guests were able to enter and dine at Nancy Lopez Legacy Country Club without filling out an application given you by three lifelong club member sponsors; without review of your application and posting it in the men's locker room for review by club members who could blackball you; and without paying initiation/stock fee of $40,000....annual dues of $7,000.....spending minimum of $800/quarter.....service charge of 20% automatically added to the dining/bar bill....etc.

b) Cody's inside stinks of old dried beer on the floors even while covered with bushels of peanut shucks and fodder.

The Villages is far more than two bar-restaurants with polar opposite ambiences.

[katerogers]

It might be said that the Villages is not providing enough restaurants to provide for the growing number of people who live here.

[JourneyOfLife]

I think the OP should let peers know about their experience. If it happens to you, you will know it was not an isolated incident.

Mistakes can happen. It is how the manager and staff handle the recovery that counts.

The staff and management knows what to do! Not following through, to deal with the issue, means; "I don't care about the customer!"

If I felt is was handled really poorly, I would probably contact the owner or the chain and register a complaint. You can be sure they want to know if poor management is affecting customer satisfaction.

[Phantom]

Remember when going on the Lifestyle Preview meant being treated like royalty. Times have changed!

[Barefoot]

It might be said that the Villages is not providing enough restaurants to provide for the growing number of people who live here.

People will line up for the restaurants they like, but other restaurants end up closing for lack of business.

[graciegirl]

It might be said that the Villages is not providing enough restaurants to provide for the growing number of people who live here.



It might be said, BUT the villages doesn't provide restaurants, it builds buildings for restaurants and rents them to the people who are in the restaurant business. I am SURE they want more business. They are in business to make money.

[graciegirl]

Remember when going on the Lifestyle Preview meant being treated like royalty. Times have changed!



Times have changed because they can't build houses fast enough.


They don't need to give away things to sell homes now.


But now that I live here. I feel more like royalty than at any time of my life.


We ALL live like the very rich used to live.

[Bogie Shooter]

It might be said that the Villages is not providing enough restaurants to provide for the growing number of people who live here.

The Villages doesn't provide restaurants.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I have had bad experiences at restaurants all over the world not just TV. In TV I have had good and bad experiences at both places you mentioned, I don't think it has anything to do with TV it had more to do with some people are good at their jobs and some people are not very good. Some people care and take pride and some don't give a hoot!

[DougB]

?...............

These two minor experiences do not even deserve to be mentioned on a forum.

Same could hold true to this response. However, I feel any experience anybody wants to post deserves to be mentioned if they feel like posting it.

[jimmy D]

Ah always comes back to the Sales Person?? Sorry for your troubles, but not their fault but someone must bear the brunt of your bad service

[tommy steam]

The crowds are expected for this time of year. We try not to go out for dinner during this time and cook at home. There is no excuse for a bad attitude , however, I do think customers need to have a little more patience also. I have encountered a lot of people this time of the year who are in a hurry. They cut you out of line in the super markets, take a parking spot you are waiting for with your blinker on and don't look at you, cut in line in the restaurants to put their name in , etc, etc, etc.

True, where do these important people come from?

[Bill32]

We've been here for 5 years, not perfect but way way better than other's we looked at!!
We eat our main meal between 2 and 4:30, most of the time no wait. Living here full time we found way's around most of the inconveniences during " busy season"and you would also.

[sharonga]

We also went to Brownwood when Rocky and the Rollers were there. We went to the new Italian Rest. Riccardi's. Never saw so many people in my life and I come from NY. Fun was had by all it looked like. We had a 45 minute wait, not bad at all. Service was a little slow but we expected that. Food was excellent and served well. It was a wonderful night for us. Just as expected.

[nitehawk]

I would like to add to my OP -- the group of (most likely) village golfers got the order that was not theirs --- would you accept the order or tell the waitress it was not yours -- going to get more kool-aid

[CFrance]

It could be that someone at the other table ordered the same thing as you did, so it didn't occur to them. Or they liked the look of it and kept it!

In any event, doesn't the Cody's waitstaff write their name on your paper table covering? I guess I would have gotten up and asked about the order. Stuff happens sometimes.

It sounds like the manager is not always overly friendly. This comes from previous posts; I have NO experience with the manager. I'm just trying to see different sides here. You could have asked about the order, and he could have had a different response that was not so nonchalant.

[John_W]

Has anyone thought about mentioning to the sales department that when a salesman greets their new clients they should just go ahead and apologize for anything and anyone that is unpleasant to them during their stay? That should solve this problem.

BTW, we just attended our third annual thank you party put on by our salesman Tony Trussler. It was at Colony Cottage with entertainment by Suzie Casta, great buffet food and we got to eat with and meet with new villagers we would of never otherwise known.

[justjim]

Times have changed because they can't build houses fast enough.


They don't need to give away things to sell homes now.


But now that I live here. I feel more like royalty than at any time of my life.


We ALL live like the very rich used to live.

:bigbow: Amen and a Boy Howdy!

[looneycat]

I grew up in the Bronx, my wife in Queens...we don't have those kinds of problems for very long in ANY restaurant. We know, having dealt with crowds all the time growing up, speak up early or leave and never go back. simple and works. How come they didn't complain about the golf and lack of tee times, its that season too....