R J Gator's - Lakeside dining ruined!

[PandG]

My husband and I have eaten here many times, and like to sit along the lake, where it was peaceful and we could watch the tourist boat come and go. About 6 months ago, they added an outdoor bar, and then added musical entertainment (a solo musician). We usually sit far from that, or have not been there during the music, so that was never a problem.

Last night we wanted to sit outside along the lake, and as we were shown our table, we couldn't hear ourselves think! They added several speakers outside along the lakeside seating, and the music volume was way too loud. We asked to speak to the manager, and she said they "had" to have the volume up for the bar area, because they have music at the bar. She said she would turn down the volume (but not off, because of the bar guests), and then they showed us to the table furthest from a speaker. It was still too loud! So, we ate inside where it was nice and quiet, but not the same atmosphere as eating along a lake.

I used my $10 credit for being a VIG (Very Important Gator) member. We will not be returning to this restaurant again. They have ruined the ambiance of casual dining along a lake!

[Bonny]

We love it there and really enjoy the afternoon entertainment. We were there last weekend and didn't notice that it was any louder than it has been.

[aaffmom]

I love RJ Gators too.

[bbbbbb]

My husband and I have eaten here many times, and like to sit along the lake, where it was peaceful and we could watch the tourist boat come and go. About 6 months ago, they added an outdoor bar, and then added musical entertainment (a solo musician). We usually sit far from that, or have not been there during the music, so that was never a problem.

Last night we wanted to sit outside along the lake, and as we were shown our table, we couldn't hear ourselves think! They added several speakers outside along the lakeside seating, and the music volume was way too loud. We asked to speak to the manager, and she said they "had" to have the volume up for the bar area, because they have music at the bar. She said she would turn down the volume (but not off, because of the bar guests), and then they showed us to the table furthest from a speaker. It was still too loud! So, we ate inside where it was nice and quiet, but not the same atmosphere as eating along a lake.

I used my $10 credit for being a VIG (Very Important Gator) member. We will not be returning to this restaurant again. They have ruined the ambiance of casual dining along a lake!
Hi we do not go there for that reason, the noise. IT seems that noise is a great substitute for music, and the problem is getting worse. What is the deal folks?
If a restaurant has noise going on, we do not enter.
bbbbbb

[bbbbbb]

If a restaurant has noise,we do not go in, it is just that simple. You can complain, they may turn it down, and just as your food comes out, the noise is turned back on high. If so, just get up and leave. You have a right to have a peaceful quiet dinner to enjoy with your dinner date, spouse or whatever, do not let them take it away from you. If more people follow this, maybe they will get the message. But there are those who want the volume, ok, get stoned and enjoy.

[Bonny]

If a restaurant has noise,we do not go in, it is just that simple. You can complain, they may turn it down, and just as your food comes out, the noise is turned back on high. If so, just get up and leave. You have a right to have a peaceful quiet dinner to enjoy with your dinner date, spouse or whatever, do not let them take it away from you. If more people follow this, maybe they will get the message. But there are those who want the volume, ok, get stoned and enjoy.
I don't get the "get stoned" remark, oh well. The one thing nice about RJ Gators is the music is outside in the afternoon so it doesn't affect anyone's quiet dinner.

[Chatbrat]

Just like the people who enjoy Texas Roadhouse, whatever floats your boat- if you enjoy eating in bedlam go for it

We'll stick with Arnold Palmer, Hemmingways & the Bonefish

[Marathon Man]

If a restaurant has noise,we do not go in, it is just that simple. You can complain, they may turn it down, and just as your food comes out, the noise is turned back on high. If so, just get up and leave. You have a right to have a peaceful quiet dinner to enjoy with your dinner date, spouse or whatever, do not let them take it away from you. If more people follow this, maybe they will get the message. But there are those who want the volume, ok, get stoned and enjoy.

I don't get the "get stoned" remark, oh well. The one thing nice about RJ Gators is the music is outside in the afternoon so it doesn't affect anyone's quiet dinner.

And I don't get the "right to have a peaceful quiet dinner" remark. If you choose a pub that has music rather than a restaurant with no entertainment, how do you figure that you can walk out and stick the waitress with the check?

[TicoTexan]

I avoid RJGators when they have music. Simply way too loud to enjoy being there.

[Jima64]

Fortunately you can speak with your wallet and not go there. Please complain in a nicecway to the companynleaders, notbthe local manager.

[Bonny]

And I don't get the "right to have a peaceful quiet dinner" remark. If you choose a pub that has music rather than a restaurant with no entertainment, how do you figure that you can walk out and stick the waitress with the check?

I would hope no one would leave and stiff the waitress. :(

[Island57]

We love RJ Gator's. But, the last time we had dinner outside, we had to deal with smokers and their cigarette smoke. It was awful. 4 out of 6 at the next table were smoking. I would rather put up with music.

[skip0358]

Wife & I enjoy RJ Gators as do many of our friends. Love to sit outside and catch the breeze from the lake. As for the music it stops when the Square starts.

[spring_chicken]

Please don't go back! The patio is always full during the entertainment and those who aren't chronic whiners need more places to sit!

[Bonny]

Please don't go back! The patio is always full during the entertainment and those who aren't chronic whiners need more places to sit!
:clap2:

[gerryann]

Is it the heat???? Bitch, Bitch, Bitch!! never heard so much complaining. These poor workers have to put up with so much S***.
If you don't like noise and they have entertainment....stay away. If you don't like smokers, stay away from patios that allow smoking.

Instead of complaining...why not just do a little research? Why complain just because life isn't rolling the way you want it to? Nobody is forcing you to go places that don't fit your lifestyle.

[WAC2371]

Is it the heat???? Bitch, Bitch, Bitch!! never heard so much complaining. These poor workers have to put up with so much S***.
If you don't like noise and they have entertainment....stay away. If you don't like smokers, stay away from patios that allow smoking.

Instead of complaining...why not just do a little research? Why complain just because life isn't rolling the way you want it to? Nobody is forcing you to go places that don't fit your lifestyle.

The live music ends early enough to still enjoy a nice meal by the lake. I was there Fri afternoon and the music was great and not to loud for me. There was 2 guys having a birithday and everyone got into sing to them and having fun. These outdoor bars really help the resturant and I love RJ's . I also agree that smoking is a problem and have no answer for that ...maybe a certain area only.

[Bonny]

I'm always one of these people that goes where I like to go. There are several places that aren't my cup of tea, but others like it & that's great. That's what I love about the Villages. There's something for everyone.
Don't go where you don't like it and go someplace you like. So simple, then everyone is happy. :pepper2:

[alancusa]

Just like the people who enjoy Texas Roadhouse, whatever floats your boat- if you enjoy eating in bedlam go for it

We'll stick with Arnold Palmer, Hemmingways & the Bonefish

The place sucks!

[gerryann]

I'm always one of these people that goes where I like to go. There are several places that aren't my cup of tea, but others like it & that's great. That's what I love about the Villages. There's something for everyone.
Don't go where you don't like it and go someplace you like. So simple, then everyone is happy. :pepper2:

So true Bonny. It's so easy to just go where you are comfortable. If you don't like something about a place, just don't go.

I guess some think it's more fun to go anyway, then come on social media to complain.

[gerryann]

The place sucks!

Which place sucks???

If it sucks, don't go there......problem solved.

If you're talking about Texas Roadhouse, I think a whole lot of folks love it....so they won't miss you. :)

[2BNTV]

I'm have to stop reading restaurant reviews as there won't be a restaurant in TV I can eat at, without someone, pitching a b**ch about something. :D

[WAC2371]

I'm have to stop reading restaurant reviews as there won't be a restaurant in TV I can eat at, without someone, pitching a b**ch about something. :D

2BNTV don't stop as you actually have a good sense of most resturants and I enjoy reading your comments. Those who complain about things need to vent but don't always offer a concrete solution. With all the differant people we have here, there will never be total agreement but to just say a place is no good doesn't hold weight. I worked foodservice all my life and I know how hard it is to be right on every day. So many things happen beyond your control and I feel we have to roll with it. As long as they try to do the right thing, then I give them the chance and we have many hard working folks in foodservice here that at times get a bad knock. I'm thankful readers like you add their thoughts.

[2BNTV]

2BNTV don't stop as you actually have a good sense of most resturants and I enjoy reading your comments. Those who complain about things need to vent but don't always offer a concrete solution. With all the differant people we have here, there will never be total agreement but to just say a place is no good doesn't hold weight. I worked foodservice all my life and I know how hard it is to be right on every day. So many things happen beyond your control and I feel we have to roll with it. As long as they try to do the right thing, then I give them the chance and we have many hard working folks in foodservice here that at times get a bad knock. I'm thankful readers like you add their thoughts.

Thanks for the compliment. I go to the restaurants I like and I am willing to try anything new. I agree with your assessments about food servers. :smiley:

I was being sarcastic in the sense that someone always has something negative to say, if one dinning experience, doesn't live up to their standards. I never blame the waitstaff if the cook didn't prepare a meal to perfection but then, I am easy to please.

Anyone can a have a bad day and usually give restaurants several shots, before deciding to cross them off as places, I would not go too!

My son works in hotel management, (4/5 stars), and their waitstaff caters to every whim of their customers. I am also talking about expensive meals as opposed to the 10/20 dollar range of meals served in chain type restaurants. Maybe some people's budgets dictate, that's too expensive and want 5 star service?

[bbbbbb]

And I don't get the "right to have a peaceful quiet dinner" remark. If you choose a pub that has music rather than a restaurant with no entertainment, how do you figure that you can walk out and stick the waitress with the check?
Hi, I have worked in two restaurants. I have never seen a waitress get stuck with the check. If it happened, any manger knows he will not see that waitress or waiter tomorrow, so we can discard that thought. Any well run restaurant knows they need to make the customers happy and if not they will not return. We always try to evaluate a spot early for anything out of our interest, noise or smoking to name a couple. If there is something odd there, we simply do not go there as some smarter persons have said here. Also hang in there,,,,,,,,,,, the smokers will not be around too much longer. :a040:

[Bonny]

Hi, I have worked in two restaurants. I have never seen a waitress get stuck with the check. If it happened, any manger knows he will not see that waitress or waiter tomorrow, so we can discard that thought. Any well run restaurant knows they need to make the customers happy and if not they will not return. We always try to evaluate a spot early for anything out of our interest, noise or smoking to name a couple. If there is something odd there, we simply do not go there as some smarter persons have said here. Also hang in there,,,,,,,,,,, the smokers will not be around too much longer. :a040:
And why is that ?

[PandG]

I think many people missed my point in the original post. I was referring to music along the side of the building, not at the bar. They added 3 speakers along the building, and the music was full-blast. The music was not from a musician, but from a radio--maybe from satellite. The loud volume is not necessary for that area, but if they wish to keep the music up loud for the bar area that's fine. We refused to sit outside, so we ate inside.

[Annie01]

i know we stopped going also…no need for the music to be sooo loud..the bar people are RIGHT there 2 ft away..not 80 ft away..sad they are losing a lot of customers…sitting at the bar you cannot chat..the music is way toooooo loud…i guess they may think there are teens …we ARE NOT DEAF !!! lower it to soft music so all can enjoy it !!!!

[Annie01]

people go there for lunch and snacks…and to chat with their friends…if you can't do that i guess they lose…..soon they will close and wonder what went wrong !!!!

[bbbbbb]

And I don't get the "right to have a peaceful quiet dinner" remark. If you choose a pub that has music rather than a restaurant with no entertainment, how do you figure that you can walk out and stick the waitress with the check?

My husband and I have eaten here many times, and like to sit along the lake, where it was peaceful and we could watch the tourist boat come and go. About 6 months ago, they added an outdoor bar, and then added musical entertainment (a solo musician). We usually sit far from that, or have not been there during the music, so that was never a problem.

Last night we wanted to sit outside along the lake, and as we were shown our table, we couldn't hear ourselves think! They added several speakers outside along the lakeside seating, and the music volume was way too loud. We asked to speak to the manager, and she said they "had" to have the volume up for the bar area, because they have music at the bar. She said she would turn down the volume (but not off, because of the bar guests), and then they showed us to the table furthest from a speaker. It was still too loud! So, we ate inside where it was nice and quiet, but not the same atmosphere as eating along a lake.

I used my $10 credit for being a VIG (Very Important Gator) member. We will not be returning to this restaurant again. They have ruined the ambiance of casual dining along a lake!

AND-----------------

Please note, a few posts back some one was very upset and claimed there was no noise at Gators. There are several posted recently and this one and we will not go there for the noise. If a person wants to have their ears blasted at dinner, they have their rights, we have ours. NO WAY

bbbbbb :MOJE_whot:

[skip0358]

I was there last night about 6 PM there was NO music on outside or inside.

[bbbbbb]

My husband and I have eaten here many times, and like to sit along the lake, where it was peaceful and we could watch the tourist boat come and go. About 6 months ago, they added an outdoor bar, and then added musical entertainment (a solo musician). We usually sit far from that, or have not been there during the music, so that was never a problem.

Last night we wanted to sit outside along the lake, and as we were shown our table, we couldn't hear ourselves think! They added several speakers outside along the lakeside seating, and the music volume was way too loud. We asked to speak to the manager, and she said they "had" to have the volume up for the bar area, because they have music at the bar. She said she would turn down the volume (but not off, because of the bar guests), and then they showed us to the table furthest from a speaker. It was still too loud! So, we ate inside where it was nice and quiet, but not the same atmosphere as eating along a lake.

I used my $10 credit for being a VIG (Very Important Gator) member. We will not be returning to this restaurant again. They have ruined the ambiance of casual dining along a lake!
SOMETHING AT GATORS IT has changed, it is really going downhill for us. Lately, noisy, and the food was really bad, wings are not good, fries are a bundle of grease. Somehow, you get points, but if you eat today, you do not get points,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Well? Goodbye Gators

[Bonny]

SOMETHING AT GATORS IT has changed, it is really going downhill for us. Lately, noisy, and the food was really bad, wings are not good, fries are a bundle of grease. Somehow, you get points, but if you eat today, you do not get points,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Well? Goodbye Gators
Not understanding your post. When do you not get points for eating there. I always get points. Never had that issue and we eat there quite often. We really like it.

[tomwed]

To me, there is good tasting food and ambiance.

Since I first saw Lake Sumter I could not figure out why you build a beautiful lake and not have more restaurants taking advantage of the view. I was disappointed that Brownwood doesn't have water views.

I can always find something good on the menu but when I have a water view that's the center of my attention.

I enjoy all kinds of music and when there is music, that's the center of my attention.

[Two Bills]

I just take my hearing aids out!

[outlaw]

To me, there is good tasting food and ambiance.

Since I first saw Lake Sumter I could not figure out why you build a beautiful lake and not have more restaurants taking advantage of the view. I was disappointed that Brownwood doesn't have water views.

I can always find something good on the menu but when I have a water view that's the center of my attention.

I enjoy all kinds of music and when there is music, that's the center of my attention.

Uh, do you really need to dis Brownwood for not having water views? I prefer to focus on Brownwood's excellent air conditioned real estate office. :D

[RickeyD]

Uh, do you really need to dis Brownwood for not having water views? I prefer to focus on Brownwood's excellent air conditioned real estate office. :D

The original plans for Brownwood had it located near the small lake which is now next to the Village of Lake Deaton neighborhood pool. Bad news for Brownwood but good stuff for Lake Deaton.

[Jayhawk]

yep.

[Trish Crocker]

Is it the heat???? Bitch, Bitch, Bitch!! never heard so much complaining. These poor workers have to put up with so much S***.
If you don't like noise and they have entertainment....stay away. If you don't like smokers, stay away from patios that allow smoking.

Instead of complaining...why not just do a little research? Why complain just because life isn't rolling the way you want it to? Nobody is forcing you to go places that don't fit your lifestyle.

:BigApplause:

[justjim]

OP, I understand your dilemma. We don't care for "loud" music while dinning either. The music was a change in atmosphere. That said, what is "loud" for one may not be "loud" for another.

I would give it another try and see if I get the same results. If so, I would move on----lots of different restaurants in The Villages. Something for everyone.

[pauld315]

Years ago, here in NC before they banned smoking inside bars and restaurants, we would always sit outside (weather permitting) to avoid the smoke. Then, some places decided to become non smoking and we would go and frequent them instead. Finally, they enacted the law and all the smokers moved outside of the places we liked to go to so we can no longer sit outside to enjoy ourselves, so we now always sit inside.When we visit TV, we always sit inside for the same reason. The same applies to music. If you like going to a certain place, find the area of the restaurant you are most comfortable and enjoy it or go elsewhere. Pretty simple really.

[simpkinp]

Welcome to our world. You cannot sit outside and enjoy the fresh air because it is filled with smoke. Bring a sweater or jacket and sit inside? Rats! At least they could designate an area for non-smokers so we could sit outside without being subjected to second hand smoke.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Businesses make decisions on how their bottom line is affected. A place like RJ Gators decides to have music because they believe that it will attract more people. As long as it attracts more people than it repels, it's a good business decision.

One person feels like their dining experience is ruined and hundreds of others enjoy having live music while they eat. I just noticed that Gator's Dockside in SS Town Square has live music outside. I don't think they've ever had it before.

If revenues are down, they're going to try something to get it back up. Maybe a few of their old customers won't like it, but if they're making more money, they've done the right thing.

[Barefoot]

Businesses make decisions on how their bottom line is affected..........If revenues are down, they're going to try something to get it back up. Maybe a few of their old customers won't like it, but if they're making more money, they've done the right thing.
Exactly.

[Joejohnson]

The Villages (in my opinion) is the loudest most active retirement community in Florida. It is designed that way. The majority want it that way. That is why we moved here. There are hundreds of assisted living centers in Florida that are designed to keep things quiet. Maybe it's time for some to find a community that fits their belief of what a retirement coumunity should be,,,,BUT PLEASE STOP WHINNING ABOUT THE VILLAGES THAT SO MANY OF US LOVE JUST THE WAY IT IS.

[skip0358]

I don't understand I go there several times a week and sit outside. If I'm there before 5 yes there is live music. I see the outside speakers on the Lake side but haven't heard music from them yet. IF it's to loud or it bothers you I'd suggest speaking to management NOT the waitress. Perhaps they could turn down the volume or switch off the outside speakers IF the dinners don't want the music. Any restaurant along the square can't have LOUD outside music after 5 PM period.

[CFrance]

2BNTV don't stop as you actually have a good sense of most resturants and I enjoy reading your comments. Those who complain about things need to vent but don't always offer a concrete solution. With all the differant people we have here, there will never be total agreement but to just say a place is no good doesn't hold weight. I worked foodservice all my life and I know how hard it is to be right on every day. So many things happen beyond your control and I feel we have to roll with it. As long as they try to do the right thing, then I give them the chance and we have many hard working folks in foodservice here that at times get a bad knock. I'm thankful readers like you add their thoughts.
I love your dog. I love his ears! I wish you would post a bigger picture of him/her. The avatars won't enlarge when you click them.

Okay, back to the topic.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Please note, a few posts back some one was very upset and claimed there was no noise at Gators. There are several posted recently and this one and we will not go there for the noise. If a person wants to have their ears blasted at dinner, they have their rights, we have ours. NO WAY

Exactly! So what's the problem?