Sonny's & Salad Bar

[foxmeadow]

We have a group of 10-14 folks who eat out frequently. When Sonny's was open in Wildwood, we were frequent guests (apparently not enough though). We especially enjoyed the ribs WITH THE SALAD BAR. After they closed, we began going to Leisburg Sonny's. When they finally opened here in TV, we were grateful, but disappointed they did not have a salad bar. We voiced our concern each time we have been in there (about 8 times now) and the last time were told they have no plans now and will not consider, installing one regardless of how many folks want it. They further stated that they had to get Corporate approval to NOT have one. At any rate, due their refusal to listen to the will of a few of their (NOW FORMER) customers, we have continued our patronage of the Leisburg Sonny's. The first day they opened TV Sonny's, we spoke to one of the managers with the hope they would hear us. He stated that he must have heard that request more than 20 times within a 2 hour timeframe. I hope their rigid stance doesn't find them in the same position as Whiskey Creek. We Villagers have many, many options regarding caring restaurants.

[Bogie Shooter]

I like the bar.

[Skip]

Write to corporate. You'll find the address on their website.

Skip

[MelZ]

From a business point of view the alcohol bar at Sonny's in LSL makes more sense than a salad bar. I'm sure some people would prefer if the other way but they have to generate enough revenue to pay the rent. Liquor is more profitable than salad.

[lasvegas]

Wow Thank You for the warning of no salad bar, it is the main thing I like at Sonny's. No (liquor) bar at the one in Leesburg and it has been open for years, the one in Wildwood had a bar and it must have not made to much money. Maybe they will have a change of heart if they get enough complaints.

[nkrifats]

I was told this is the only Sonny's with a Bar. All others have Salad Bar.
They had to make the decision when they opened. Bottom Line is that Booze makes more money than Salad.

[chuckinca]

The Villages, a drinking community with a golf problem.

.

[Bryan]

We vote on restaurants around here with our wallets. If you don't like it for any reason, don't go there and spend your money. If enough do that, it will go the way of the one on 44.

When restaurant management refuses to listen to their customers, it is only a matter of time before the restaurant goes out of business for lack of customers. Sounds like the new Sonny's may be headed in that direction.

By the way, what law says Salad Bar and Liquor Bar are mutually exclusive entities? Who says they can't have both? I will concede that space may be an issue but it sounds like they will have plenty of space since there will be no customers occupying the other space.

[mikeandnancy1112]

We were disappointed too about no salad bar but our friend in Clearwater says the Sonny's there does not have one either.


Wow Thank You for the warning of no salad bar, it is the main thing I like at Sonny's. No (liquor) bar at the one in Leesburg and it has been open for years, the one in Wildwood had a bar and it must have not made to much money. Maybe they will have a change of heart if they get enough complaints.

[Eve2278]

You can get salad bars anywhere, its the bar-b-q that suppose to draw the crowds at least thats why all of us go...

[diskman]

We have a group of 10-14 folks who eat out frequently. When Sonny's was open in Wildwood, we were frequent guests (apparently not enough though). We especially enjoyed the ribs WITH THE SALAD BAR. After they closed, we began going to Leisburg Sonny's. When they finally opened here in TV, we were grateful, but disappointed they did not have a salad bar. We voiced our concern each time we have been in there (about 8 times now) and the last time were told they have no plans now and will not consider, installing one regardless of how many folks want it. They further stated that they had to get Corporate approval to NOT have one. At any rate, due their refusal to listen to the will of a few of their (NOW FORMER) customers, we have continued our patronage of the Leisburg Sonny's. The first day they opened TV Sonny's, we spoke to one of the managers with the hope they would hear us. He stated that he must have heard that request more than 20 times within a 2 hour timeframe. I hope their rigid stance doesn't find them in the same position as Whiskey Creek. We Villagers have many, many options regarding caring restaurants.

Seniors in a salad bar put them out of business. I have seen it first hand 1 orders the all you can eat salad bar, 1 orders water. Before they are done the ask to replenish the buns just so they can take them home. This happened where my late parents lived in n Miami Beach.Mom had bags of buns in the freezer. The salad place was great, lines out the door. Next time I came month later I was told they had gone out of business.:shrug::rant-rave:

[Skip]

One of the main reasons Ruby Tuesday's does so well is because they have a Salad Bar (and a good one). True the salad itself doesn't make as much money as liquor, per se, but you wouldn't necessarily visit Ruby's or Sonny's just because they serve alcohol would you? It's the whole food experience that counts.

Sweet Tomatoes built a whole company based on the Salad Bar concept.

If I was the owner of Sonny's in TV, I'd have ever kind of bar (DESSERT - comes to mind!) I could think of and see which one draws the most customers.

As Sears Roebuck used to say "You gotta get them in the door first.".

Skip

[zcaveman]

Personally I go to Sonny's for the ribs. It beats the heck out of a 10 mile drive north or south to go to Belleview or Leesburg. As long as they keep the ribs tender and meaty and the service quick I will keep going back.

[doug11]

We too were frequent Sonny's customers...I was very disapponted as well..we have a large golf group that LOVES salad bars...thanks Ruby Tuesday!!!

the first day we went to Sonny's with 16 people we were told that ILO a salad bar they put in a REAL bar....this is just what Lake Sumter Landings needs is another bar....

I must know 50 people who won't go there til they smarten up...

My guess is tha tsoon they will be "UP THE CREEK" :agree::agree::agree:

[jazzy48]

We like salad bars, too, but not more than Sonny's "Big Deal" or their rib specials. We go to LSL Sonny's 2-3 times a week and they've been doing a tremendous business. We've never been disappointed in the food or the service. Many times they've had large golfing groups in there that seem to be enjoying the food, so guess they'll make it okay without those holding out because of no salad bar.

[NJblue]

I like a good salad bar, but if I had to choose salad or a beer to go with my ribs, the beer wins hands down.

[skip0358]

Beer and ribs over salad bar anyday. Never mind the specials they run.

[MelZ]

Beer and ribs over salad bar anyday. Never mind the specials they run.

Amen brother:agree:

[Hawkwind]

The four basic food groups:

Pizza, Ribs, Chicken and Beer. Works every time.

[texasfal]

Amen brother!

[champion6]

All rightie then. Let's pick a Cardiologist and we'll all meet at his office. ;)

[Ooper]

Why does it have to one or the other...? Why can't they have both an alcohol bar and a salad bar? It would seem like it wouldn't be that much of an investment!

[Coconuts]

Space?

[nkrifats]

I was told it was a space issue.

[llaran]

Forget sonny's - go to oakwood

[Army Guy]

This is funny, the wife and I really don't care for the salad bar at Sonny's. I mean it is ok, but we go to Sonny's for The All You Can Eat, so who wants to fill up on salad when you paid for the meat? :laugh: But different tastes, that is why we have coke & pepsi!!
Now to us the best salad bar is Ruby Tuesday. When we eat there it is mainly for it.

Army Guy

[MelZ]

Forget sonny's - go to oakwood

thanks but

WHO ASKED?:a20: